Veteran expedition climber Vern Tejas, who led the Alpine Ascents South Col Expedition to the summit of Everest last spring is back in Antarctica for the second consecutive year. For 2003, Tejas plans not only an attempt on the continent’s highest point—Vinson Massif—but to conduct physiological science in the process. His expedition this season is funded by a grant from the Omega Foundation. (Click here for the 1999 Omega Foundation expedition to Antarctica).

For the next several weeks, Tejas will provide daily dispatches via satellite telephone direct to MountainZone.com. Before leaving for Antarctica, Tejas filed this dispatch from Punta Arena, Chile, explaining the objectives of the expedition:

"Hello cybernauts, this is Vern Tejas in the southern tip of South America, Punta Arena, Chile. And we're about to embark on an expedition to the frozen continent of Antarctica. My mission is to report to you all the aspects of climbing a high-altitude mountain in the challenging conditions of Antarctica.

"I received a grant from the Omega Foundation to do this project, and the Omega Foundation strives to increase awareness of the unique environment found at high latitudes and at high altitudes. I will be compiling information on the rigors and methods necessary for a safe and successful, and environmentally friendly, expedition. And where better, other than Mount Vinson, the highest point on this icy land.

"At just a little over 16,000 feet, it will be a wonderful challenge.

"The ultimate goal is for me to summarize the findings in a report that will be shared with all through publication and presentation. And I'm very excited about this and looking forward to sharing my experience in the land of ice and snow. The coldest, highest, driest continent: Antarctica.

"So log in for the next few weeks, and chill out with Vern Tejas at the bottom of the world."