23 Feb 2013
Scott Base Visit
Our waiting paid off and we got lucky yesterday. The ice that was blocking the landing beach when we arrived disappeared out to sea and the wind eased, so immediately after lunch with a slightly revised plan we began operations. During the afternoon everybody got to Scott Base where they enjoyed a tour and saw the conservation work being done by the Antarctic Heritage Trust on the artefacts from Scott's Cape Evans hut. The hospitality of the New Zealanders at Scott Base was superb, so our thanks go to Trudie and the team.
After dinner those who wanted to went ashore again to visit Hut Point and Discovery Hut. That was our third historic hut of the Ross Sea region - just Cape Adare to go!
We had just one goal left during our visit and that was Observation Hill. We set off at 0600 this morning in marginal conditions as the wind and snow was increasing. About a third of the group "summited" before we had to turn back because the weather was rapidly deteriorating. It was a wet and rough ride back to the ship in the Zodiacs.
We have now farewelled McMurdo and are heading north, but there is still a lot to see and do - the journey is not over yet.
22 Feb 2013
Yesterday was one of those days Antarctic Buffs only dream about. Today is one of those days that Antarctic Buffs worry about. The wind was blowing s…READ MORE
17 Feb 2013
Its Sunday morning and we have just crossed the Antarctic Circle, that imaginary line around the globe at 66° 34' S, below which the sun does not set…READ MORE
14 Feb 2013
Valentine's Day finds us all happy to be on the long run south towards the Ross Sea. No flower deliveries here, but a growing sense of anticipation a…READ MORE
