I was lucky enough to have dinner last week with the inspiring Robert Swan OBE, the first man in history to walk to both the South and North Poles.  Robert is doing amazing work internationally raising awareness around the issues of environmental responsibility and global warming.  He is heading back to the South Pole in 2012, and will be testing our Icebreaker gear over the next wee while to find the best garments to wear on his journey.

Robert was very inspiring, a real leader who has shown that individuals have the power to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals through perseverance, determination and commitment.  He told us tales from his travels, about his adventures in the North Pole and how it was much more treacherous than the South (as the ice was full of holes and he had to be very wary of the Polar Bears).

We discussed how the effect of the North Pole melting would not raise sea water levels (as it is floating ice and therefore already displaced).  And that the real threat was the South Pole, which could raise levels catastrophically – hence the reason for his 2012 trip.

Over the course of dinner we found out that Robert studied ancient history, so we decided it would only be fair to drink some whilst we were dining.  Our host environmentalist expert and wine buff Rob Morrison, produced a 1947 Chateau Latour, which wine buffs will know was a very good year from one of the leading cellars in Bordeaux.  I’ve never drunk anything older than myself, and it was quite an experience… one which I can’t quite afford to repeat just yet, so it’s back to selling more merino for me.

We’re proud that Robert will be wearing Icebreaker on his expedition back to the South Pole and will keep you all posted on his journey.

Jeremy Moon, CEO & Founder – Icebreaker