Iceberg Monday

Can I be woken up every day to the dulcet tones of the Expedition Leader, gently murmuring Team Inspire, Team Inspire” was heard in the line for breakfast. Maybe he can sell it as a ring tone?

Refreshed, there is a growing sense of anticipation amongst the Team as we make great headway towards Belinghausen. Sea conditions excellent, 12 knots in calm seas, it looks like we will be arriving ahead of schedule. All sea legs have been found and we assembled for the morning briefing.

A presentation on how to respect the pristine wilderness of Antarctica, of how to handle an inquisitive penguin or a slumbering seal. And then a real taste of expedition mode as we learn the skill of getting in and out of a moving Zodiac, avoiding icy waters. The trusty sailors handshake will be our friend when we descend from above.

Jumper, in only the way that he can, brought us face to face with reality as he showed us how to use the life jacket. The room was silent, you could hear a pin drop, as the team listened to his every word. And finally those Norwegians gave us an Ibsenesque demonstration of what to wear and what to bring on tomorrows landing at Belinghausen. Layers, layers, layers is the order of the day.

But let me tell about the highlight of a wonderful day. “ iceberg on the starboard side” was the call. And out we rushed and stared in awe at this huge mountain of ice, glistening with a blueish tinge, as we glided past. We knew that we were really entering the Antarctic world.

An afternoon of quietly standing in small groups out on deck, watching the journey towards our mooring off Belinghausen.

And guess who came to dinner? Yes, Rob Swan came across to greet the Team, following his 15 day stay in the E-base. It was wonderful to have him on board and a chance for him to meet all the Team. Tommorrow we get to spend the whole day onshore with Rob and the team there.

After dinner, another excellent presentation from james B on climate change. Everything from the “gases” to the activities that generate the gases, to the solution set that the world will need to address fast. Huge interest in the room and for sure an appetite for even more discussion over the next few days.

Gently rocking on anchor, close to King George island, the team headed to their cabins to prepare their gear for what will be a stimulating but challenging day onshore. How cold will it get? Will the winds blow? What does an E-base really look like? How does renewable energy really work. Answers tomorrow.

Goodnight from the MV Ushuaia, off King George island.