24 Jan 2013

Endless Sunshine

Sometimes words are inadequate to describe an event, and  that is certainly the case for the last 2 days. None of the superlatives that one would normally use to describe an outstanding or special event seem to be anywhere near adequate. We arrived at Cape Royds on Ross Island at midday yesterday in perfect conditions. Cape Royds is where Ernest Shackleton built his hut in the summer of 1907/08. The hut which is managed by the Antarctic Heritage Trust, has recently undergone some significant conservation work and it is a really special moment when you step inside and experience it just as it was when Shackleton and his team were there.

Everybody was back on board shortly after 6pm. The weather held and we relocated a short distance to Cape Evans and what is commonly referred to as the Scott's Terra Nova Hut. It is also managed by the Antarctic Heritage Trust, and they are just finishing a major restoration project. Possibly Scott's story is even better known. It was from this hut that he left on his fateful attempt to reach the South Pole. Standing at the hut you can kind of transport yourself back and imagine the scene.

Today started with Orca and Minke Whales and finished at an Adelie Penguin colony before sailing to the Ross Ice Shelf. The weather continues to be fine, calm and clear.