Team members say

We spent the day at Bellinhaussen with a strong wind gusting up to 45 knots. This delayed the landings but we made it ashore and went to see the Ebase and what a fantastic job the team there had done installing, using and living of renewable energy sources – wind, sun and pedal power! Wind being the primary energy source and clearly demonstrating that this is possible even in this severe climate. We had a walk around in the howling wind which was a bracing experience, with my highlight being able to see an elephant seal. The next day we landed at Brown’s Bluff on the Antarctic continent, and had the most awesome day – sunshine, wildlife at its best and most pristine.

Rosco, you will be happy to know that I saw a leopard seal, which is a very muscular and sleek beast – and much bigger than I expected. Not an animal you would want to meet while swimming! Grace, Dad also saw loads of Penguins and Antarctic fur seals. Many of the penguins were malting and not looking very happy as they have to fast while malting. They do not have sufficient feathers to protect them from the cold while in the water. Abby there are lots and lots of birds, a cute little one is the Antarctic tern, and an interesting bird is the Skua, ask your Mom to show you this bird on the internet…

Christine, lots of love, missing you and look forward to seeing you on the 28th March.

After a long journey….Sydney to Auckland to Santiago to Buenos Aires to Ushuaia to….. we are nearing our final destination – ANTARCTICA….In Ushuaia we had a gentle stroll up to the glacier above the hotel we were staying at, apply named – Hotel Del Glacier. Fantastic views and an opportunity to fine tune your gear and meet and spend some more time with fellow expeditioners. The following day, one of our expeditioners, arranged a walk in a nearby National park to the beautifully emerald green Emerald Lake – a lovely way to spend the first half of the day. With much anticipation we boarded the MV Ushuaia and set sail at 6pm. We spent the next 48 hours going through an apparently remarkably calm Drake Passage, not that helped me not feel seasick! This afternoon we make land on our approach to Antarctica via the South Shetland Islands. I was very excited to hear that Aston has rolled over, and that Grace is eating her broccoli! Christine lots of love, see you soon. Rosco I have not seen a leopard seal yet but have seen a pod of Fin whales and a huge blue iceberg.

Howard’s initial thoughts on climate change…

In my current role we are developing an environmental plan focused on operations. This is currently being expanded to become a sustainability plan and will include more of a customer and supplier focus.