Across the Vast Southern Ocean

South America » South Georgia » South Georgia
March 27th 2007

Published: August 9th 2007

It was a night like any other night in the vast Southern Ocean. The stars were hidden behind a veil of clouds, the moonless sky was as dark as India ink and it was so cold that the salty ocean froze to the deck in thick, slushy sheets. My watch group was serving the dreaded 'dog' watch from midnight to four. Under ideal conditions the dog watch could be a very pleasant time to be on deck, due to b... Read Full Entry

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Keith Martin

explorerkeith

I am from Georgia, but I have lived in California for the past few years. I have been working as an engineer since I got out of school six years ago. I have grown tired of working the never changing rat race of ‘normal life’, so I am embarking on a multi-year round the world journey, a retirement of sorts, beginning with a winter contract job in Antarctica. From there, who knows where I will go, but I plan on seeing the whole world and all of the unique cultures, remote wildernesses and amazing history that this planet has to offer. I am planning on traveling as inex... full info

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In the Footsteps of Shackleton

These are the mountains he had to cross with his companions, though with a lot less snow.

In the Footsteps of Shackleton

Lake Creen is where Tom Creen fell through the ice, which was conceiled beneath the snow.

In the Footsteps of Shackleton

Stromness is in the distance, I didn't hear the steam horn though.

In the Footsteps of Shackleton

Some of the scree slopes were quite steep, but we all made it down.

In the Footsteps of Shackleton

The Europa at anchor, waiting for us to reach Stromness Whaling station.

In the Footsteps of Shackleton

This is Stromness Whaling station.

A UFO

I think this is called a linticular cloud and it is a common sight in the mountains. We saw this one as we sailed towards Grytviken.

The Norwegian Church

This is the famous Norwegian church at Grytviken. This is where Shackleton had his funeral.

The Tom Creen Library

This library is located in the back of the church.

The Velcro Plant

I know it isn't the real name for this plant, but it was just like velcro and we had a lot of fun with them.

Myviken

This is the nice grassy spot overlooking Myviken.

Out of Africa

This is the secret little watering hole that we found at the bottom of the steep hill. With the seals frolicking in the water and making lots of noise, it reminded me of what I would expect from Africa.

Looking Through the Window

This is the window through the cliff that we found at Myviken.

A Barbeque on Deck

We invited all of the people at Prince Edward Point over for a good old fasioned Barbeque. It was a fun evening.

Shackleton's Cross

I walked out to the cross for sunrise on my last morning. The cross was erected by Shackleton's comrades to commemorate his death.

Shackleton's Cross

I walked out to the cross for sunrise on my last morning. The cross was erected by Shackleton's comrades to commemorate his death.

The Grave of the Great Explorer

Visiting Shackleton's grave was a big motivator for me to come on this voyage, so thank you Shackleton!

Grytviken

A view of Grytviken from above.

A shipwrecked Whaler

There are two of these boats wrecked at Grytviken. They were grounded at the end of the whaling days, because they were too expensive to salvage.

In Cobbler's Cove

Watching the amazing scenery go by.

A Walk Through the Hills

This was our last long walk on South Georgia, and it was a good one.

5th June 2007

rrruss
Russ Pearce

Wow
That is one amazing blog entry. And what gorgeous photos, with the possible exception of the mummy!

5th June 2007

Stephen Paul
o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o

Fantastic
Amazing shots to a little visited place! Truly spectacular. I cant wait to go someday!

5th June 2007

Runar Karlsen
non-member comment

Greetings from Norway!
Hello! Your mother told me about your blogg, it's great, looks like you are having the time of your life. We are some of the family you have in Norway. At the moment Sally, her husband, son and daughter in law are visiting us! Take care Keith! BR Runar

5th June 2007

digital_explorer
Reymos

Amazing journeys
Spectacular peguins!!! Yeah, it is quite a lengthy journal but a worthwhile read. Enjoy your trip!

7th June 2007

explorerkeith
Keith Martin

Wow, Son, What a beautiful place.
How will you ever come back to reality when you have seen such wonders! Ah, but I know you will eventually - because you don't want us to sell your stuff on E-Bay. Blessing son! Carry on. Love, Mom P. S. And South Georgia, as in "right above Florida" does pale in comparison. Currently there are many wildfires in South Georgia and a serious draught. It is more like the other place than the heavenly island you were visiting.

9th June 2007

lona
non-member comment

wow
my favorite so far circumsolar halo

15th January 2008

Mercurycatcher
Michael Diamond

Amazing Place
Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos and incredible adventures, as they say in your final hours your whole life flashes past in front of your eyes......boy you've got plenty to watch!

12th March 2008

Chuck
non-member comment

Thank you for sharing.
A thoroughly enjoyable article.

2nd April 2008

RandLJacobson
Richard and Lynn Jacobson

Re: Tom Crean Library
First of all--I just happened across your blog and I think it is extraordinary, especially this and other entries from the Southern Hemisphere. What a great opportunity you've had, and what great use you have made of it! I had to comment on the picture of the engraved stone at the Tom Crean library, because this very morning it was announced that Tom Crean, the basketball coach for Marquette University here in Milwaukee, is leaving to take the head coach position at Indiana. Tom Crean has been a major figure here, even though I suspect no one was aware of his illustrious namesake. And I just wondered--did you include this picture because you are a Marquette alumnus, or fan? Or is this Tom Crean of independent significance to you? (Since this is a spur-of-the-moment comment, it is written before I have read the entire text, and I will do so once I am done writing. If the answer is already contained therein, you needn't respond.)

2nd April 2008

RandLJacobson
Richard and Lynn Jacobson

Re: Tom Crean redux
Read the text. Saw the reference. I got it. If you don't mind I would like to send a link to this picture to the Milwaukee sports press.

2nd April 2008

explorerkeith
Keith Martin

Tom Crean
To me, Tom Crean is one of the greatest of the explorers from the 'Heroic Age' of Antarctic exploration, yet his is a little known name. I was unaware of the modern Tom Crean - Perhapse the name in itself leads to greatness. Could they be related? Feel free to send the link.

28th July 2009

olgaregina
olgacarpio

THIS is what i call a blog. Amazing job by the way. Beautiful place with so many different animals and sightings. Can;t wait to go there someday. Simply amazing!

19th April 2010

Nancy
non-member comment

Thanks
What an incredible journal and pictures! Thank you for a virtual vacation.

20th October 2010

Keralatour.us
non-member comment

kerala tours
I am very interesting to know about new trvel experiences and new trvel destinations in the world. So I am always keep my eyes open towards new trends in travel field and good blog posts helping me to know new generation travellers mentality. This is very Nice and Informative posting and helped me to improve my knowledge position about tourism in these places specified in this post.. Kerala tours

7th January 2011

Beautiful Mountains and Aquamarine Water

anonymous
non-member comment

most Beautiful

12th April 2011

cabochick
Andrea

OMG!
Wow! What a picture. It is my new favourite! Thanks!

24th November 2011

David Lonie
non-member comment

Style.
Love your blog, what an adventure, Your blog style makes for great reading and love your photos.

22nd December 2011

thankful
non-member comment

your wall
thank you.

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Across the Vast Southern Ocean

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