23 Feb 2014

Happy Expeditioners

We have experienced an amazing three days during which time blurred somewhat due to the almost continuous sensory overload.

It all started with our arrival at Ross Island on Friday in weather and sea conditions just perfect for a visit to Cape Royds where we enjoyed a long afternoon and evening at that historic site. Early the next morning it was Cape Evans. What privilege and pleasure it was to spend time at Scotts Hut. Later that afternoon we landed by Zodiac at New Zealand's Scott Base. This in itself was an achievement experienced only once in 20 years due to the retreating ice this season. Late on Saturday afternoon about half of the group climbed Observation Hill (known locally as "Obs Hill") to the memorial cross dedicated to Scott and his men. We remained at anchor overnight at McMurdo and in the morning went ashore and enjoyed the Hut Point or Discovery Hut followed by a walking tour of McMurdo Station. We are now cruising for a close look at the Ross Ice shelf. On board the atmosphere is jubilant after ticking off some very important 'once in a lifetime' experiences for our expeditioners.