It has been an amazing few days since our first landing at Belinghausen. The first landing was in heavy, dark seas and very cold. I went with the first 2 zodiacs and then was there to help ballast the boat on the return voyage. Instead we ended up sitting offshore as the winds and waves were too big to get back to the ship. For about 30 minutes we bobbed about, me and the trusty boatman, being thrown around by waves. Quite scary and cold hands for the first time as my gloves got wet. Finally back to the boat and the rest of the day was described on the general blog that I wrote and is on the website.

Since then its been great having Rob and the other crew from B/hausen aboard. It has been a series of amazing landings ( now all calm as we are in sheltered areas off the Antarctic peninsula), including the most stunning beach with snow, penguins on parade and lumbering seals, followed by a glacier walk. Another day, another walk and a lecture on leadership on the hillside, followed by a slide down the hill in the snow. What differentiates people in this world is the deep, deep trust and loyalty that goes back to their historic heroes- Amundson ( clearly seen as the best of the best), Shackleton and Scott- people who when they say they will do something, never ever waiver from this commitment. Huge personal loyalty and deep friendship. Something I have not witnessed before to anything like the same degree.

Last night we camped on a glacier. Carried all our gear up the hill and made camp. 2, 3 or 4 man tents. By the time we were sorted, it was getting dark, so nothing to do but bed. Thank God for the amazing sleeping bags and a relatively warm night. Up at 7am, a gang of helpers turn up to help break camp and then we head back for a huge breakfast on the boat. An afternoon of quietly cruising in Zodiacs around huge icebergs, like a sculpture garden, made of ice. Stunning mountains and scenery. Picture the best single scene in the Alps and here, they are everywhere. And we have not seen a single boat or person for at least 3 days. Only us, no phones and no mail.

A few hump back whales emerge, only briefly. Lucky cameras that were there at the time. Tonight, an evening zodiac landing. I am really glad I bought decent kit, its been invaluable and really needed. Layers, layers, layers is the order of the day. At least the white hands seemed to have coped, even when the cold and wind chill is something like minus 30deg C. must be those nice red gloves that I have.

2 more days in the peninsula and then back to the Drake passage. I hear that day 2 will be pretty rough, while our trip down was relatively calm. Lets see. I need to help Rob with his final presentation and I am looking forward to that. The least that I can do for him and his team. Weds am, back to Ushuaia, farewells and the long trip home. Sitting in the back of Iberia.

Today ( sat) we stopped in a place called Paradise Cove. And it really is what it says on the can. The most stunning place on earth. Mirror like water, mountains and glaciers all a round. Blue sky, sun shining. We went ashore and sat in the sun, just quietly looking at the scene. One of our team sprinkled the ashes of her late father on the water. This really is the place to rest. This afternoon a decent climb to the top of glacier, led by the Norwegians and Joff, with the odd incident but all safely down. What a quite amazing expedition it has been. All that I had hoped for and so much more. Great group of people, plenty of laughs but above all a range of people who want to get everything that they possibly can from this trip, because they realise just how special it is and how unlikely it will be that they ever get to see it or experience it again.

Happy Easter to you, Frase, Flo, Paca and Barn, plus Becca, Lizzie and Mum. Miss you all and lots and lots of love. See you Thursday. Marcus, cabin 416, MV Ushuaia.

There was a real air of excitement and tension amongst the team as they prepared for the first landing. A sense of First World war soldiers about to leave their trench and go over the top. “ how many layers are you wearing?” “should we take goggles”, “aren’t these merino wool baselayers just amazing?”.

We gathered, fully kitted and awaited instructions. The steps down to the Zodiacs looked slippery and icy, the boats bobbled about like children on a bouncy castle and the seas looked large and a tad foreboding.

Zodiac 1 and 2 set off and landed at a bleak and windswept Belinghausen, to be greeted by Rob and team down at the water. Eager volunteers headed up for the E-Base, to collect all the gear of the brave souls who had spent the last 17 days, often in the toughest conditions, living just off renewable energy. A long trudge up a moon like landscape. The Zodiacs hung around and then back to the mothership in massive seas. The captain had decided to postpone the landings as the high winds were putting the Zodiacs and the boat itself, in danger of being blown towards the shore.

Inside the boat, it felt like Christmas had been cancelled. Real disappointment and a worry that the first steps on Antarctica might not be today. Early lunch and heads were down. But then ,out of nowhere, the whistle blows. We are going over the top, says Windy, so gear up. A rush for gloves, goggles and gore-tex, life jackets tightened, ready to roll.

Down the icy steps, 10 to a zodiac and then off we head, for Belinghausen. A huge greeting from Rob, off we set to the E-base. We meet our friends from nPower, who show us the E-House and give us a reminder of energy consumption patterns. We see a who house lit by 57 watts of power. That’s less than a single light bulb. And all from the wind from a wind turbine and some solar panels. Its really pretty warm and omfortable in their little nest. Will we ever put so much water in a kettle again when we want to make a cup of tea? I don’t think so….great job from team nPower.

And then to the E-base itself, completed by Rob and team last year and now a beacon for communicating to the world, in a totally sustainable way. The team who have been there for the last 17 days look like they are looking forward to the comforts of the MV Ushuaia tonight.

A stunning walk, gentle winds and snows, down through the Russian base, to see the seals at play. 2 seals frolicking on the beach, ignoring the gaze of the new spectators. And a massive elephant seal, lying motionless on the beach. Nothing really on his mind.

“ if you get chased by a seal, raise your hand and make yourself look bigger” is the instruction. Somehow, I hope I don’t get to test this strategy. My money remains on the seal.

Amazing landscape, exactly how you imagine it to be. Certainly sparse and windswept, but a raw beauty and quietness. Its just great to be quietly walking and chatting to a new found friend.

Back to the shore and into the Zodiacs. Hold tight, its into the wind but the waves have quietened and we are quickly back on the boat. Showers, relaxing in the lounge and reflecting on an epic day. Dinner and then the first of Robs lectures in the “ Leadership on the Edge” programme. His first story, his teams walk to the South Pole.

The expeditionary force is now complete and all members are on board. The end of a huge achievement by the 7 E-base team, having created the energy to power the base from nothing, 17 days ago. A real demonstration of the human need for energy.

A great day for those who took their first steps in the Antarctic world and who got their first impression of what is to come in the days ahead. And certainly a great day for merino wool.

Engines fired up, the expeditionary force moves on- Southwards, to the Antarctic peninsula. Spirits high, faces rosy and windswept, the team in the highest spirits. Tommorrow, first steps on the Antarctic continent and iceberg alley before breakfast. And another landing. It doesn’t get any better than this.

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.

Lots of love to all at home and see you soon, Marcus Ware / Dad 18/3/08 Belinghausen, King George Island

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)

And then, the glacier hike. Six teams ventured up the mountain, to the base of the glacier. A chance for a few to lead, for teams to be built and friendships established. The Norwegians were the trusty pathfinders and JC’s magic mix provided the essential nutrient for weary limbs. Goal achieved, boots disinfected by the vigilant Jumper and a welcome lunch break.

The afternoon was all the team together and the “Leadership on the Edge ” programme was kicked off with an honest discussion about what really creates a high performing team, ably led by Nick, our tireless facilitator.

What a way to end the session. Annie held us spellbound with her personal reflection on Antartica, the history and goals of 2041 and the E-base. Most importantly, the point that this is a unique personal journey, something that few have been blessed with and a plea to seize every moment of the expedition.

Bright, clear skies over the Beagle Channel, team dinner and final packing.

Tommorrow, we sail – Southwards.

In my time working with BP, I have got a detailed understanding of the science and the issues around climate change. I recognize the overwhelming scientific evidence and the need for the world to take dramatic action now so that we can obtain the twin goals of rising living standards for the whole world as well as a stable climate in 2050. This needs immediate intervention by governments, policy makers, the financial world, manufacturers and most importantly, by individuals. Absent this action, I have to think that our children and our grandchildren will ask why we simply ignored the tough decisions and the hard evidence.

The Canary Project produces visual media, events, and artwork that builds public understanding of human-induced climate change and energize commitment to solutions. Following are the key strategies we employ:

- visualize global warming in compelling ways that leverage data and communicate a sense of urgency

- integrate the tools of art with those of science, education, mass communication and other disciplines that enhance our ability to engage diverse audiences

- investigate questions lying at the root of our current ecological crisis and provoke reflection on those questions

- cultivate media attention to further inform a broad public and to create excitement around the issue distribute information on concrete actions people can take to cut carbon emissions and lead people to take more action