Post Office closed…
22nd March, 2008Another calm night and I’m really getting used to the gentle rocking of the boat followed by Pete’s Team Inspire wake up call and the sudden realization that I’m on a ship in the Antarctic. Yesterday’s landing was still fresh in my mind and the sights and sounds experienced whilst sat quietly on a beach with seals and penguins is just about impossible to describe.
Today we traveled to Charcot Bay and what a place – clear blue skies, majestic snow and ice covered mountains and icebergs and ice scattered throughout the channel We’re now all old hands at getting in and out of the Zodiacs and some go ’hands free’ to take photos and wave to those waiting on the ship. When they said we would be partaking in ‘Leadership on the Edge’ I don’t think any of us realized they actually meant we would have a lecture (flip chart and all) on the edge of a steep slope with one side being an overhang over a freezing cove filled with floating ice and the other being a slope that gave the most unbelievable panoramic view of Antarctic scenery you can imagine. So it was just a little hard to concentrate on Nick’s presentation. As many a blog from today will tell you we were completely in awe/shock when the large iceberg just behind the ship in the bay literally started cracking and thundering and just disintegrated into the water with only a fraction of it’s former self remaining. My heart was absolutely in my mouth – mainly because it had taken a few seconds to associate the roaring noise with the iceberg and not the slope we were sat on happily enjoying the view (we had witnessed an avalanche yesterday) and I expected to be rolling down the slope – Of course I should have know that our trustworthy Norwegians would not have picked that spot if there was a risk – but even so it really brought it home to me how fragile the surroundings were.
All safely back on the ship after what has to be the longest free slide (voluntarily) down a snow slope I’ve ever done it was up to the bridge for a bit of relaxation therapy. The bridge is the most amazingly calm place with classical music playing on the speakers as the captain and his crew navigate around icebergs and avoid disturbing seals basking on floating ice. We had been told there was a possibility of seeing Orca in this area so when I spotted a couple of fins in the water it was with great excitement that I asked the crew if it was the famous killer whales. I was glad they were just as excited as me and immediately announced to the whole ship that a pod of killer whales were heading our way. There were about 5 or 6 females and a male – in fact the crew were so glad to see the whales that they presented me with a bottle of Malbec (red wine) as they hadn’t seen killer whales for a few weeks.
The boat now seems strangely quiet as half the expedition have gone ashore to camp – there has been an air of expectation all day with discussions of how many layers (I can’t stress enough the wonders of merino wool) and tent etiquette whilst in the Antarctic – our turn tomorrow but this evening we make another landing to visit the post office (now closed for the winter season so no post cards from Antarctica I’m afraid).
Hi Nicola,
I have been reading the updates of how your expedition is going every day. It sounds so amazing.
I hope your camping trip was really something to remember.
Julz xxoo
Posted by Julz (npower) on 03/22/08, 9:00 am
The collapse of the iceburg must have been an amzing experience. Did it send waves rushing away to swamp areas? I thought boats usually stayed clear in case of such events.
You may have camped by now. What was it like?
We had snow and strong wind yesterday, and braved it for the challenge. Esme thrives on adverse conditions. She has been helpful. Freddie is fine. We all went bowling yesterday; a first for we ‘oldies’. Freddie puched his bowl down a metal slope built for the purpose. Ian placed it carefully and Freddie won. We swam in Ashfprd’s new pool another day; both children much enjoyed that. Journey here took 51/2 hours; return this afternoon; shall miss them. Hope all remains good for you and hope to see you soon, cheers, Pat
Posted by pat fletcher on 03/24/08, 8:54 am
Hey Nicola
I’ve missed following your adventures for a few days, as I’ve been in Norfolk with the kids at my parents’ house, where I was deprived of internet access for 4 whole days (a lifetime for me!).
In Norfolk, we experienced intermittent sun and squalls of rain, sleet, hail and snow - and that was just on Easter Saturday! On Easter Sunday, we had enough snow that the kids made snowbunnies in the front and back gardens!
The Antarctic scenery scenery sounds breathtaking, while the penguins, well, perhaps you should have packed a clothespeg!
I hope that amid all the inspiring sessions and trips, you’ve had time to chuck around a few snowballs and have a bit of fun. Have you had your fancy dress party yet?
Jayne x
Posted by Jayne Rice on 03/25/08, 4:27 pm
Hi Nicola
Just had to send you a few lines to say how much we have enjoyed hearing about your adventures. It certainly sounds like you are making the most of a fantastic opportunity.
Can’t believe you witnessed the disintergration of the iceberg - what an awsome sight that must have been - It’s been all over the news!
Looking forward to you getting back and to hear first hand just how incredible the whole experience has been. Keep that camera rolling!
Couple of important questions - have you managed to keep your digits warm and are the boots holding out?
We’ve all missed you
Take care and looking forward to seeing you soon,
Jan X
Posted by Jan Egginton on 03/26/08, 6:20 pm