26 Jan 2016

Pavlova Paradise Part Two

The ship was awoken by a cheery “cooeee cobber!” in true blue Aussie style to usher in Australia Day as we approached Cape Evans. We slid in under the influence of a 35kt katabatic wind that dropped to about 20kts by the time we hit the beach in great anticipation. All had longed for this moment and with Mt Erebus looming large in the sunshine with puffs of steam shooting skywards, Scott’s legendary hut stood before us.  Everyone went into the hut at least twice and many for a third visit to soak up the atmosphere that only a mix of living history and the smells of a bygone era can evoke. It was certainly a grand photo opportunity and for some it was also an extremely emotional experience. We each had our reasons for making the effort to be here and soaked up what for most was a once in a lifetime opportunity. The views today from Windvane Hill and the memorial cross were stunning as we sat and pondered all that had gone before. Eventually the promise of Pavlova lured us back to the ship and we will remain at anchor for the night under the spell of Mount Erebus, Cape Evans and the Transantarctic Mountains. Where better to hit the pillow as the light dims slightly on the horizon?