Looking like the Michelin man
22nd March, 2008not sure what date but it is but it is good Friday, I know this since we were told but missed out on the hot cross buns! And now come to think of it will not have Easter Eggs but since I don`t like chocolate this is hardly a hardship. I wonder if Peter has already eaten all of the eggs that I hid around the house for him!
Yesterday was a very long action packed day. Our leadership on the edge session was held on the Antarctic continent against a background of blue sky and sunshine and we all sat on our backpacks to keep dry. Somewhat bizarre to have the flipchart stuck in the snow and listening to Nick!
As I know that I am a wimp I did not slide down the hill but did a sedate walk! In the evening after an early supper we went to set up tents and camp overnight in Dorian Bay. Luckily lots of other people knew how to put up a tent but this was my first experience of ice screws – yes huge metal screws that you just screw into the ice! I could not believe how cosy my red sleeping bag was and did not suffer from the cold, but so much for tranquility – I don’t understand how some people can snore so loudly and not wake themselves up! Am learning how to dress for this climate – in the words of the team here layers layers layers which has the end result of one looking like a snowman or the Michelin man or both!
Great excitement today as have seen Orka whales and humpback whales and penguins porpoising when we were out on the zodiacs. Tonight we are going to Port somewhere where there are a whole bunch of penguins who apparently have no fear at all of humans.
I have taken so many photos and short videos but the quality of the videos is a bit like the blair witch project. Nonethless you cant believe quite how exquisite the icebergs are and the colours are just outstanding and all of the shapes.
Getting my sea legs and hope that they will stay for the crossing back through the Drake Passage!
So glad that you have yousea legs. Love your diary writings and am just longing to see the photographs. The whole trip is obviously making a deep impression. I have spoken to Peter, he seems OK. Had lunch with Stella and Peter on Thursday. Daddy says if you have any spare ice he would love some for his whisky/ Love M and D
Posted by barbara gower on 03/22/08, 12:25 pm
Hi Charlie this is so fantastic to be able to see what you’re doing. I’m with Peter here at my house (surrounded by packing boxes!) and we’ve just seen you on video! We’re both very excited about that - and missing you lots. Peter says he found the big bunny as well as 13 eggs! He claims not to have eaten them all yet - but i don’t believe him. I just can’t believe what a fabulous place you’re in and how fantastic an opportunity this is for you. Sorry you’ve been so seasick but i guess thats not much of a surprise. Glad you’re wearing all your gear as it really wouldn’t be much funbeing cold . Having trouble imagining you campling - but i know you have been - so well done you. I hope you have a wonderful timeand see lots of gorgeous stuff. Can’t wait to see you - and your pics. will write more another day. with lots of love and Happy Easter (its Easter Sat here) love pamxxx and Peter (even more kisses from him…xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx)
Posted by Pam Anson on 03/22/08, 3:09 pm
Saw the video as well, it was great to see you smiling on the other side of the planet. Glad you are having an amazing trip and Happy Easter of course.
P+R (and little Gabriel)
Posted by P+R in the USA on 03/22/08, 4:40 pm
hi charlie, how do i get to see the video then ? reeally interesting reading your diary and hearing what you are geting up to .. camping on the ice sounds fun ??? bad weather has set in to meribel and the snow is coming down thick and fast.. yuk .. its easter sunday here, and i am just about to get up and organise breakfast for everyone and the chocolate eggs …. not sure i will hide them though its a bit wet and cold …luke off to LA on tuesday and h has hurt the tendons in his legs so not ski ing !
Posted by lizir on 03/23/08, 1:38 am
It is brilliant to keep track of you and see pictures, I am soooo evvious, can’t wait to have the full blown account. I don’t think your cold is anything to boast about, it has been freezing here too. Ana and Adrian came for the weekend which was lovely. Evan was doing his Dof E in a blizzard in derbyshire. Is it weird being surrounded by blue and white? Lovely in the sunshine the water looks so flat I hope it will stay that way for the trip back. Does the antartic smell of anything? Penguin? Lots of love, Harriet
Posted by Harriet Bane on 03/24/08, 7:44 am
Hey Charlie - we’re having soooooo much fun tracking your progress and reading about your incredible trip. Watching whales and penguins definitely beats scoffing boring (but so tasty!) old Easter eggs! If you get a chance, could you please do us a favour? Have your photo taken with a little sign that says something like “Hi to Ollie from Antarctica”. I would love for him to have a special memento of Aunty Charlie’s amazing-once-in-a-lifetime-never-to-be-forgotten adventure. Anyway, keep having a fabulous time, travel safe and we’ll see you soon. We are so proud of you! xxx
Posted by Felicity & Ollie on 03/25/08, 3:28 pm
Hey Charlie! A big hello from Hammersmith hope you are having an amazing time judging by the photos and vids I am guessing so!! Sooooo jealous that you got to see Orkas that is one up on the team from last year. Looking forward to hearing all about it. Keep making the most of this amazing trip. Laters, Si Pick
Posted by Simon Pick on 03/27/08, 8:07 am
Charlie- Sitting in centrally-heated splendour, 25 floors up in Manhattan, with a cat on my lap - I feel guilty, guilty, guilty - but you are obviously having a great time!Not sure what date you’re back, but will give you a call to catch up. The splendour of the icebergs must be fantastic. Keep safe. Love Ruth
Posted by Ruth Birdt on 04/01/08, 6:56 am