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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.