01 Mar 2015

Obervations from Observation Hill

We returned to McMurdo Sound and about half the group made a successful ascent of Observation Hill in near perfect conditions – a huge contrast to the bleak conditions the other day. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky or a breath of wind but it was obvious that winter is returning as the sound was refreezing.

From McMurdo we made our way to the ice edge where we enjoyed a magnificent encounter with a group of Emperor Penguins before saying our farewells and heading north with high hopes of a landing a Cape Adare. Despite some strong winds, the ice was still packed in tight here and try as we might from the east and the west, we finally had to admit defeat and head for home. As this was one of the only landings we didn’t achieve, the feeling aboard ship is that this has been another successful expedition.

We are encountering reasonable sea conditions as we make our way north towards Campbell Island. Our days are filled with lectures, documentaries and recaps which intensify the memories of our experiences in the Ross Sea.