Further Thoughts from The Bottom Of The World
22nd March, 2008Since the previous blog we have experienced nature showing off in many ways. The e-Base visit was completed via Zodiac in a 40 knot wind which was exciting to say the least! This combined with our latitude gave us a wind chilled air of –20C.
The base itself is a truly incredible achievement being now fully supplied by renewable power including solar panels, a wind generator and even a static bike to add a human power boost.
Since picking Robert and the team from e-Base we have been regaled with the many amazing tales of exploits and truly great achievements against the odds.
Yesterday was spent sailing through the ice bergs of the Weddle Sea on the way to brown Bay where we landed in perfect weather for a walk up to Brown Bluff to complete the photo opportunity bit. There was time whilst there to take in the atmosphere and sit quietly to reflect on the sheer majesty of where we were, a deep experience indeed.
Today we retraced our course through the Gerlache Straight again in perfect wall to wall sunshine. Having landed in Charcot Bay we a further Leadership on The Edge experience in what must be the world’s most fantastic open air classroom. This concluded when, right on cue a huge iceberg in the bay disintegrated in front of us driving home the effects of the warming that Antarctica is currently experiencing.
The last major event f the day was spotting a pod of Orka, an sight of sufficient rarity to have the crew running out on deck with their cameras. This was so great that I momentarily forgot the extremely lucky win that Harlequins had on the weekend (yes, some information can get through when it really important). Now that really is nature showing off!
I look forward to seeing those I left behind and sharing this seemingly endless stream of new experiences and possibly even how they have changed me.
Signing off for now, Mark
What a marvellous sight and to see you as well!! It’s a very long way from spending Eastertide on the beaches and rock pools of Torbay but we all have to start somewhere? We now look forward to your safe and uneventful return. Happy Easter All my love Mum Bath 19 London Irish 16!!
Happy Easter Love Reid & Trish
Posted by June Russell on 03/23/08, 5:32 am
Dear Mark ( Russell), Not wishing to be out done by your great adventure we also enjoyed a snowy Easter not quite so spectacular but enough for ” Grandma” to get out the camera and send some pictures to Australia. Issy,William and Charlotte all send their love and Jeff wanted to remind you about the barbecue … you know what he means! It’s been amazing following your adventure on screen and I can’t wait for you to be home to share in what has been I am sure an incredible and life changing experience - the cider is already in the fridge!! Wishing you a safe and smooth journey home All my Love Dawn x
Posted by Dawn Russell on 03/25/08, 3:55 am
Mark…it has been a fasinating experience to be able to follow your adventures whilst sitting here in Sydney. Climate change is a very “hot” topic here in Australia and we are waiting to see all your photographs and learn from someone who has seen the effects first hand. Wish we were with you.
Big hugs from your niece and nephew…xxxx
Posted by Alison Fidler Lee on 03/26/08, 6:30 am