This photo shows English explorer and Antarctic historian, Dave Burkitt, with beautiful memories at Port Lockroy research base.

Dave, who first visited Antarctica during the 1970’s, is a recipient of the Fuchs Medal awarded by the British Antarctic Survey.

I really like the candid nature of this picture of Dave and how the old portraits of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip, as well as the record player, add to the nostalgia of the moment.

Dave was listening to an old tune at the time this image was made. You can see how much he was drawn into the moment as so many beautiful memories came flooding back, thick and fast.

At one stage he even began to dance with a member of the crew who’d accompanied us onshore for this adventure back into the past.

Good Memories from Port Lockroy

I visited the small Antarctic research station at Port Lockroy, the restoration of which was led by Dave, on a photography tour I co-ran to Antarctica.

Dave came along as a special guest speaker and lent a hand as one of the zodiac pilots.

I was fascinated to learn that the research base was once a secret British military base. It’s now a tourist stop on the Antarctica trail and houses Britain’s most southerly public post office.

Dave was fully immersed in his visit, taking in so many good memories from his time serving at Port Lockroy.

It must have been a very difficult job to restore this old Antarctic base and I’m conscious that the hard work put in by Dave and others made my own visit, years later, possible.

If ever you get the chance to visit Port Lockroy I’d certainly recommend you do. It’s a fascinating place that’s full of history.

The fact that the research base is set in a spectacular location, with penguins from a nearby colony wandering by, opens up all manner of opportunities for great photos.

Making My Own Beautiful Memories

I had a drink with Dave one night on the ship and I found him to be a really decent, unassuming and humble bloke.

It was a genuine highlight of my own Antarctic experience and one of those beautiful memories that will stay with me for many years to come.

Dave is the antithesis of the celebrity seeking influencer so common in our world today.

I know I’d much rather spend my time with someone who’s actually done something with their life as opposed to listening to someone in a big hat drone on about their totally inauthentic existence.

There, I said it.

Let’s Celebrate A Life Of Contribution

I understand that, with a wealth of experience in polar regions, and the reputation that’s earned him, Dave was being offered positions on tours on a regular basis.

However, as Dave explained, he was getting older. Moreover, he’s English and, at this stage of his life, he doesn’t like leaving his garden unattended.

Given all he’s done and the fantastic contribution Dave’s made to our understanding of Antarctica I’d say he’s earned a long and happy retirement.

To have lived such a rich and rewarding life and to be able to enjoy his retirement, in his own home and garden, is a dream I hope Dave will be able to enjoy for many years to come.

It was a privilege to have met Dave Burkitt and I wish him well for a long and happy retirement that’s full of the most beautiful memories possible.

Glenn Guy, Travel Photography Guru