Blogs from Antarctica, Antarctica - page 15

Heading north now to The Fauklands 17th January The day before yesterday was a blue day – perfect for photographs and we saw the most majestic scenery in bright sunlight. There were whales, penguins a plenty and seals to photography and most of the people on board spent the whole day outside. Needless to say there were sunburnt faces last night. No protection from pollution here. We cruised past two research stations down the passageways to Decepcion Island, the South Shetland Island, Half Moon and Livingstone Island. The sea is full of small icebergs that the ship is negotiating and gently pushing aside and avoiding the huge ones that look like white/blue palaces in fairytales. Photography does not do credit to what we are seeing but I’ve taken hundreds of images. Last night, being a clear ... read more

16th January half Moon Island, Decepcion Island, South Shetland Island. Yesterday was a blue day – perfect for photographs and we saw the most majestic scenery in bright sunlight. There were whales, penguins a plenty and seals to photography and most of the people on board spent the whole day outside. Needless to say there were sunburnt faces last night. No protection from pollution here. We cruised past two research stations down the passage ways to Decepcion Island, the South Shetland Island, Half Moon and Livingstone Island. The sea is full of small icebergs that the ship is negotiating and gently pushing aside and avoiding the huge ones that look like white/blue palaces in fairytales. Photography does not do credit to what we are seeing but I’ve taken hundreds of images. Last night, being a clear ... read more

Actually going to Palmer Station which is not on the list. Friday 13th January 2012 A quiet passage across from Patagonia (the southern area of south America) and we woke to calm waters and grey skies. We must have escaped the bad weather. Everyone is very excited on the ship about the prospect of seeing Antarctica later today. Its much colder now – below zero outside and everyone wrapped up even though they are still marching round the deck. Last night it was still light at 10.30pm and tonight it will be even later. We are now well inside Antarctic waters at 62 degrees south and 061 degrees west. We have been told to not allow light through our cabin windows so I expect the decks will be dark tonight. All to do with birds being ... read more

November 3rd 2011 To say the little man is excited this morning is an understatement. It is the first morning he has been out of bed before me since August 1st!! We are finally onboard MS Fram for our trip to Antarctica. They have confiscated everyones alcohol as apparently it is now against Norwegian law to bring aboard alcohol and drink it. Some people have really been upset about it, but we'll just drink ours when we get back to BA. The ship is fantastic. The cabin isnt as dodgy as I thought it was going to be LOL. Single beds (whats new!), a TV that actually shows TV and movies as well as ship info, and a decent size bathroom. The expedition team look like they are going to be good fun. They all specialise ... read more

(apologies as this was actually posted Dec 28.11--I had not updated so now getting back on track!) My third winter on the Ice, we had a station population of 151, later 149 due to emergency medical evac of personel (they are now fine!) Lots and Lots of snow, oddly enough not that frequent in Antarctica; and some good *& kicking polar storms. But also much warmer than normal winters-this makes for rough weather. Sadly 3 Norweigian sailors were lost nearby in our first storm of winter, the crew of the Berzerk 2. Winter on the Ice is alot of solitude, reflection and close alliances with your fellow winter -overs. We work very hard, long hours but enjoy our free time, as we are alone for 6 months. yep, internet and tv we have, but the nearest ... read more