25 Feb 2019

Cruising the Ross Ice Shelf and Drygalski Ice Tongue

Image (c) D.Brown

Waking to perfect conditions moored off the western extremity of the Ross Ice Shelf, which soars up to 50 metres above us on Spirit of Enderby, makes for a spectacular start to the day. Discovered in January 1841 by Sir James Clark Ross and named the 'Ice Barrier', and then the 'Victoria Barrier', we cruise its sharp sheer frozen white cliffs in brilliant sunshine all the way up to Cape Crozier, the historical site where three men from Robert Falcon Scott's Terra Nova Antarctic expedition famously walked 225 kilometres in winter to collect Emperor Penguin eggs in a bid to confirm an evolutionary link between birds and reptiles, and made history with their epic journey along the way. A day at sea follows, allowing everyone to rest up after our jam-packed itinerary and gives a much needed opportunity to organise and share photos. This evening we enjoy a sunset cruise of the 80-kilometre-long icy protrusion Drygalski Ice Tongue, marvelling as the glittering expanse catches the last rays of sunlight on its slow procession down from Victoria Land's David Glacier.