Ashleys passing in parrade

Ashley has now completed his first 6 weeks at the Army Foundation Collage.
He has joined the Royal Scots Dragoons.

Iona and ash.

He has grown up so much in the last six weeks he's so smart now and I am so proud of him, I could not stop smilling when I saw him march by. Ashley is the second from the right front row.

Winters a time of change

Well the woodland is full of fungus, as another season passes by.

I love the simple stuff like the autumn smell in the wood

I think everyone should go out and appreciate whats around them more often.

Going to Antarctica has definitely changed me for life.

I think for once I know what I want out of life

Morning dew.

Euan Iona at Aberfoyel quarry

Winter is approaching and we've had several falls of snow on the mountains.

The kids enjoyed scrambling up the rocks in the quarry.

Euan looking cool.

The rocks we scrambled up.

Tired after a full on day.

Summer sun in Islay...cont...

Euan is so photogenic but hates having his photo taken.

Well I have been back from Antarctica now for 3 months and I am still noticing the things that I used to take for granted.

Summer sun in Islay

Euan and Iona enjoying there holidays in Islay.

Teal, Joy and Sandy cooling off in the sea.

Iona taking the plunge (No Fear)

Frosty playing in the sand.

Euan guarding the best bit on the beach.

Iona my beautiful daughter

Iona is such a character full of trouble and laughter.

Wreaking my hat.
Iona will start school after the summer holidays.

Euans Birthday Adventure cont.....

They all had a great time even though it was raining most of the time

Soaked.

On of the wigwams we stayed in.

Smiles all round.

Birthday cake and bed to warm up.

Euans Birthday Adventure cont.....

Euan holding a Slow Worm.

For most of the kids it was the first Slow Worm they had seen and held.

Up The hill.

Slug.

End only one way WET.

Euans Birthday Adventure.

For Euan's Birthday we took him and some of his friends to Beinn Glhas campsite to stay in a wooden wigwam.

They had great fun even though the midges were biting, we had a BBQ and fun in the river.

They saw plenty of creepy crawlies.

Swinging over the river it could only end one way.

Euan.

Out and about

Well more good weather and chance to get out and about.
Iona watching Euan climbing.

Euan is coming on leaps and bounds with his climbing.

Down the river plutering about.

The garden is in bloom yet one of the other things I missed while away.

Euan practising ascending a rope using prussic loops.

Action packed Saturday

Today I took Euan and his friend for a action packed day out.

Frog.

Action packed Saturday

Euan abseiling, he's getting really confident now.

Mark did a great job seems it was his first time.

Euan and Mark by the den they made.

Then to finish off we all went for a swim in the river.

Nice face Euan.

River Endrick

Well after another day at the office on one of the warmest days this year I went to the river with Euan and Iona.

I do have another son Ash who never seems to appear in my blog but he's nearly 16 son its not cool to be with dad and the kids.
So I never seem to get any pictures of him.

Teal who is 16 an old girl getting.

More colour.

Euan and Iona plutering about in the water.

Euans first Abseil

Euans first abseil down a 15 meter cliff.

He had being practising on the fort in the back garden and now it was the time for the real thing.

He did very well, I am so proud of him.

He was watched by his little sister who is waiting for her harness to arrive so she can have a go.
Iona has no fear so she will pick it up no problems.

Euan so chuffed.

Islay

Well my first holiday since arriving home, so we went to Islay for a long week end.
The weather was great and the kids had a great time.

Frosty the new dog that my kids had while I was in Antarctica.

Iona.

I still find myself looking closer at the world around me, people take thing to much for granted.

I am still finding it hard fitting back in, I have left some great friends behind and I do miss them.

Home

Its seems like I have never been away, at least not for 18 months.

I have been in to meet my new work mates, it seems a great company to work for.

My first job is overseeing work at Loch Eck water works.

The forestry close to home.
So far I've been to Loch Lomond, Swimming and cycling.

From South America to home

Santiago was the first warm I have felt for 18 months, we stayed in a great hotel and the morning after we went a walk around.

The next leg was Santiago to Madrid, everyone found it funny that I had a three year old girl next to me on a 13 hour flight, but it wasn't to bad I still managed to get some sleep.
Then from Madrid to Heathrow was fine just an 8 hour coach trip.

It felt so strange meeting the family again the children have grown up so much, they were so excited to see me.

We went to Loch Lomond and had a good walk my eldest son Ashley was at work.

For those left in Antarctic Look Colour amazing.

I have enjoyed the last few days its so warm and to feel the sun on me is so good.

Falkland Isles

Well at 8 am we arrived at the Falkland Isles, a gloomy start to the day but the sun came out in the afternoon. The first civilisation in 17 months.
Grass,cars,people and money for the first time in ages.

This afternoon we are going swimming at the local pool then out for a meal later.

Tomorrow we start the flight home first leg Stanley to Punta Arainis then to Santiago, in this leg we make a stop off to pick other passengers up, we then overnight in Santiago before setting out for Madrid our final leg is to Heathrow. The longest leg is 13 hours.

Last Group Photo

Well our last group photo before reaching Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands, our journey on board the JCR nearly over just two days of flying and 8 hours on a coach then I will be home.

Frozen ship

We woke today to over two inches of ice over the ship, it makes you appreciate how hard it was for the early explorers like Scott and Shackleton in their sail boats.

At least we don't have to work outside and have heating inside.

An amazing sight to see.

A Southern Fulmer having a rest from gliding over the ocean.

Quiet yet again

Well the sea is still rough today with gusts up to 45knots.
Its bitterly cold and the decks are iced up.

As you can see the waves are breaking over the bow,we have been limited to the upper decks for safety.

A quiet day on board

Well today was a quiet day most people stayed in their bunks as they were feeling a bit ill, it won't take them long to get their sea legs.

The weather was dull and windy most of the day, it was only at night that we managed to see anything.
These photo's were taken opposite Palmer Station,an American station.

The life boat drill was cancelled due to it being to rough.

Leaving Rothera

Well yesterday we left Rothera at about 3pm saying our fond farewells to the 21 staying behind for the winter. It bought back so many memories of when we were waving as the ship left, the feeling of emptiness,solitude and excitement.

I wish all those staying behind for 2008 winter to have good luck and a good season.

We depart in the same weather we arrived Dark,Cold and snowing, I am sure there's apart of all of us that wishes we were staying for the winter.
But time to move on to pastures new, you can't stay away from reality forever.

Well that is probably the last time I will see Rothera and the end to what has been a brilliant adventure and experience. One that very few people will and have ever done.
Now it is time to look forward to being reunited with my family and the adventures ahead.

Big Red Taxi

Well the Big Red Taxi turned up today and on Sunday it will carry us of back to the real world Via the Falkland Isles.
This will be the last entry from Rothera the next will come from on board the James Clark Ross with the journey up the Antarctic Peninsular.
The beginning of the end of my personal adventure in Antarctica.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the folk who have followed my blog, I hope it has given you as much enjoyment as it has me.

The laughs we've had.

Now its nearly time to go the memories of past good times are going over in my head.
From the parties ,snow boarding to the field trips even to laughs at work it has been a truly amazing time and more to the point I have made some great friends, I'll be sad to leave them.
4 Days left.

End of term party.

Well the last disco/fancy dress party at Rothera for me.
Ali "the cleaner" Nicola " St Trinians reject" Dave "teachers pet"

I know its small but you don't have to look that close ,said Jim to Penny.
But that's what happens when your in Antarctica for 18 months replies Penny.

Adam and Drew the school bikes.
If they don't pull their socks up they will never amount to anything.

A good night was had by all, Sunday was a very very quiet day most people blamed Alan's cocktails.

Rob, Dickie,Ali and Pat.

One week left

Well in one week I will be leaving this view,which is from my bedroom window, and instead of seeing white,grey and blue I will see a multi coloured world.
The closer it gets the faster I want it to go.
I find it hard to write about my thoughts of leaving Antarctica,maybe only people who have experienced this can understand.

Over night at Lagoon Island cont...

A view over the other side.

Dive bombing Skua.

Smile.

Adelie Penguin.

Over night at Lagoon Island cont...

Elephant seals are so uncaring when they are on dry land. The bog chisel I'm carrying it to ward off aggressive Fur seals and dive bombing Skua's.
I have been hunting like it looks.

The hut from the other Island.

Jason on top of the hill.

Me.

Lagoon Island.

Over night at Lagoon Island cont...

Some amazing views on such a clear day.

Mountains,glaciers plus the wild life.

Jason and I put on Boat suits and waded over to the next Island as there were larger groups of Elephant seals there plus the Island has a higher hill on with a cairn at the top.

Two young Seals fighting.

Yet more seals.

Over night at Lagoon Island cont...

The Elephant seals climb all over each other they sleep tight together farting, burping, grunting and pooping all over each other. All night you could hear them making their noises.

You can see how big they are but for their size they can move fast when they want.

Lagoon Island mainly consists of volcanic lava rocks.

A view of Jenny Island one of the many sights I'll miss.

To gracious looking Furries.

Over night at Lagoon Island

We arrived at Lagoon Island by a rigid inflatable boat at 5pm in the party were Ali, Scott,Jason and me. The first thing we did was to put the paraffin heater on to warm the place up, then we went a walk around the Island.

Although the weather was dull it wasn't to cold -2 to -4. There were nearly 60 or more Adelie penguins, they're so comical and inquisitive.

I had mainly come to get my last look at some large Elephant seals.
The one above was moulting.

A Fur Seal sound asleep it looked so snug on its pile of stones.

More Adelies deciding whether to take the plunge.
After our walk we went back to the hut for dinner then a glass of Port or two.

Mid Winter such a long time ago.

The winter team photo taken on mid winters day.
Back row L to R
Tris, Matt B,Drew,Rich,,Pete,Me,Andy,Roger,Rob,Kelv,Mike,Alistair
Middle row L to R
Birgit,Scott Ken,Ali
Front row L to R
Dickie,Jim,Cyril,Mark,Liz,Matt C.
In four weeks I'll be back in the UK and all this will be a distant memory.
There will be many treasured memories.

A glorious day but cold.

It has been a glorious day at Rothera although a cold wind blows from the south.

While Scott and I walked around the point there were a large number of Adelie Penguins, fur seals and a couple of Elephant seals.

The penguins are in a much better mood now they have finished moulting.

A lonesome Skua.

A day out crevassing

Looking back at Rothera my home for the last 16 months from the traverse.

Looking towards Stokes Peaks and McKay Island.

Grounded Burgs.

Drew our very own Antarctic Rescue + Survival Expert (ARSE for short) was our guide for the day.

Going into a crevasse is very dangerous as they are continually moving and collapsing , so safety lines are put in so we can tie onto them, this would save us if the ice bridge we walk on collapsed but I don't think it would save us if the sides collapsed squashing us flat.

Crevassing

You can never get over how strange and beautiful crevasses are, they are just so blue even when your meters deep inside.

Looking back down the crevasse.

Scott climbing through a tunnel.

Although they don't look it these icicles are meters long and to wide to put both hands around.
The picture above is looking up towards the top of the crevasse.

Looking along the crevasse fault.

Crevasse Ice formations

Ice in crevasses forms in many different shapes, as you can see the one above is so regular in shape.

Small Icicles but some in the crevasse are meters long and over 30cm in diameter some grow horizontal as well as vertical.

This ice has formed in a globular shape.

But this must be my favourite type,also like the top picture.

More and More Fur seals

Since the snow started to fall and the temperature has fallen there has been a large influx of Fur Seals there are now 100's around the base and on the runway.

Smelly and grumpy.

The Base looks better now there is a layer of snow and it will only get deeper now winter is approaching.

I will miss everything about Antarctica from the ice burgs to the wildlife from the solitude to the crashing /rumbling sound of the Glacier falling into the sea.

Surprise Visit by the LMG

Well we had a surprise visit by the Laurence M Gould yesterday which meant another tour of the base but today there were 26 people to show around, their favourite place was the Bar as they are on a dry ship so this was their first drink for a while.
Today we woke to a covering of snow and it looks like its going to carry on snowing for a couple of days.

The last plane away.

Well the Dash 7 left today with a fly by.
There are only about 40 on base now soon the James Clark Ross will be in to take the last 18 away leaving the 22 for winter.

Happy 5th Birthday Iona

Happy 5th Birthday Iona
Well Iona I took this photo the other week and it reminded me of when we were making paper shapes and you cut a chunk of hair, your lovely long blond hair, you thought it was funny but I had to explain it to mum.
Anyway Happy Birthday I'll see you soon Love Dad.
(moulting Adelie Penguin)

S/V Seal visits Rothera

Yesterday the S/V Seal called in to Rothera. S/V Seal is a sail boat that can be hired for tour holidays around the Antarctic. It was a good day, Ali and I gave a tour around all our facilities pointing out things of interest and answering any questions they had.

After the tour they invited us aboard for a drink which I accepted, it is great meeting interesting people from all over the world and get their view on Antarctica.

Check out their trip on their blog (Expedition Sail)
and find out how they got on.
S/V Seal is skippered by Hamish and Kate check out their web page S/V Seal.

High winds

The last few days the base has had strong winds and I'm not referring to the after affects of Nicola's French onion soup but to the 30-40 knot winds.
A scientific fact is that dried onions do produce high winds of an unpleasant nature.
Now that is cutting edge Antarctic science.

The temperature is beginning to fall, the planes are making final preparations for their flight home. Most of the out going staff have either left or handed over to this winters staff.
The 24hour light has now gone and the darkness is returning slowly but surely in a way I am am jealous that I am not staying for winter but life moves on and its been such a great experience one that very few ever get to do.

Welcome Malsis School in North Yorkshire

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all the pupils at Malsis School in North Yorkshire.
I hope you have enjoyed following my blog and the experiences my friends and I have had.

New Bransfield House.

Well this week we have been busy moving into the NEW Bransfield house which has brought Rothera into the 21 century.

It is built on stilts to stop snow drifting up to the building.
Within the building is offices,post office,TV room,food stores etc.

The dinning room.

The kitchen.

The new bar/lounge which has a balcony there is also a coffee lounge and library.

T.S Elliot "Little Gidding"

We shall not cease from exploration

and the end off all our exploring
will be to arrive where we started
and know the place for the first time......
T.S Elliot
"Little Gidding"

Weather

Lenticular clouds forming over Stokes Peaks.

Now the sun is lower in the sky we get some lovely coloured skies.

Snow being blown of the peaks by high winds.

Summer season ends

Well the summer field season is now over two of the Twin Otters have flown North heading back for Canada. The base is moving into the now finished New Bransfield House( Photos Soon).
People are getting ready for the winter to start.

Plenty of fur seals have arrived on the point.

An adult male Elephant seal, not as big as they can get but still huge as you can see by the size of its head.

Folk Night 2008 cont...

Cyril and Birgit did a Salsa dance and very good they were.

Cyril also sang and did a speech.
Cyril is a born actor/singer/dancer.

Drew and Rob singing a trio of songs.

Drew,St Paul and Cyril singing feed the world.
This is the last event that I will see at Rothera.

Folk Night 2008

Folk night 2008 is a night where the people left on base put on a show, its amazing how many people have hidden talents like Graham our weather man who play on his guitar a track from the Beautiful South, Old red eyes is back and told a joke or two.

Of course there are also the exception to the rule like John who did a Tommy Copper style sketch.
He got plenty of laughs and did a great job.
But John stick to the day job.
Please.

Riet, Tris and Rob did a Belgium number.

The GA's did a comedy sketch, Adam took to well to the dress and wore it for the rest of the night.