Sunday ( but no newspapers )
16th March, 2008Awoken by our trusty skipper with his inspiring words, we realised that we had got through the night almost unscathed, with remarkably kind seas. We checked outside our cabin doors, but no papers left with yesterdays news. All our teams will have won anyway. Oh well, somehow that is all starting to feel like a long long way away.
How do they produce such a cracking breakfast? Lightly scambled eggs and bacon, fruit and crossaints, against a backdrop of gently rolling seas. And then a morning of various pursuits: a trip to the bridge to chat with the hugely focused autopilot and check the charts. 155 degrees south felt like we were heading vaguely to where we should be. Sea all around, a few birds watching our progress with quite some interest.
A excellent first lecture on climate change ( thank you James B) in a crowded conference room. Clearly a subject of major interest for everyone on the expedition and a real thirst for more information and discussion over the next few days.
Some walking around the decks ( did we miss the pool and the deck quoits on our tour?), some reading, some sleeping and some chilling. And a Latin American afternoon, with siestas for some and some getting used to the waves for others.
Back to the conference room for Bernice to enlighten us on the wildlife of Antarctica, all of which awaits us in days to come. Videos and dinner, time to chat and to reflect on a relaxing day. Just what Sunday should be like. But yippee: no going to the office tomorrow. Excitement builds, the expeditionary force in great spirits, and sunset over the Drake Passage at the end of Day 4.
( for those who have been following this epic tale and enjoying the photos c/o JC, with regrets we have been unable to locate him at this hour of broadcast. We will do better tomorrow)
Thanks for the sign of live. Glad to hear that the sea was cooperating. Kind of wondering how many people where not able to walk about due to motion sickness? Any idea about the ETA ? Success and calm sea’s.
Posted by Michael Copini (ez) on 03/16/08, 7:52 pm
Yes your teams all won !
Looking at the polluted skies over HK,your cause becomes strikingly more pressing.Will follow with interest and many personal good wishes.
Life does begin at 49 ! Cheers Stephen
Posted by stephen fraser on 03/16/08, 9:43 pm
Alena, Oleg, Andrey! I hope you’re doing great! If sea sickness is pressing too much - go visit doctor Kostya’s shelter. He has got all necessary medicine for you :). Team inspire!!! Safe landing to you all!!! God bless Ushuaya MV!
Posted by Nikita on 03/17/08, 1:30 am
Wow………. an epic adventure and learning curve that is gaining momentum, can’t wait for more pictures and more news.
Posted by "Busy B " on 03/17/08, 3:17 am
Punch the south ! and don”t fear the drake passage. you can’t. It rules anyway ;-) Enjoy the great wilderness and my best regards to the chinstraps, my beloved, especially on Deception Island. It was very nice meeting them in 2004 being member of the INSPIRE! 2004 TCCC expedition as founder of the e-Base at Smellingshausen. To Robert, do keep the spirit alive will ya pall. Jumper, you must look like a penguin after too many visits (ha ha). Andreas, great to see a ‘Brussels’ colleague on board. Keep it safe. Peter Malcolm my friend 4 EVER ! Wish u ALL GOOD luck. Looking forward to that REUNION 1 day. Jumper you promised to organise ;) greets from Franky Poelaert, national Hero from Belgium (brussels). fpoelaert@hotmail.com : http://www.hakunamatatalodge.be
Posted by Franky Poelaert (National Hero) on 03/17/08, 9:48 am
Zeer geinterresseerd volg ik de reis, Diane houd je taai want de grootste uitdaging van je leven (behalve M.C.) is begonnen.
Posted by Johan van Eenennaam on 03/17/08, 12:08 pm
Really enjoy reading about the trip and E-Base so far. At TASIS England we are anxious to hear about Wendy Gediman and her adventures as we feel we are actually there with her. Very glad to hear you have relatively calm seas. Say hi to Wendy for us.
Posted by Jim Doran on 03/17/08, 7:51 pm