About Antarctica, this is one trip I will take in the near future. If time permits, I thought about adding a side trip to Easter Island together. But, unfortunately, definitely not this year. Next year is wide open, but, it's way too early to prepare:-) I do suggest you read some books about Shackleton's 1914 Endurance expedition in Antarctica. There are many books about their expedition. The IMAX movie(about Shackleton) is very good too.
Really enjoy your writing. But, the first part has a little personal, gray color/motion in it. Take care of yourself!
Tom