Antarctic Adventure

Final post

2010-01-10T10:53:00.002+02:00

Well this blog follows my adventures from leaving the UK to about six months after I return. Many changes happened while I travelled. I realised that there is more to life than consumerism, and being unhappy. I love my children so much and want the best for them, for me to give them this I had to be happy within myself. As much as it breaks my heart to leave it was the only way I could be happy and give them 100% of me. To many people stay in a marriage because of the children but does it benefit them I dont think so. I want to show them the world and that there is more to life than personal affects.

This is the last post I will be putting on this chapter of my life, so look through and see the amazing sights and the changes that have occurred in my life and you will see how hard my journey has been to bring myself to a happy place.

Ashely , Euan and Iona I love you all so very much.

Ashleys passing in parrade

2009-02-16T18:44:00.005+02:00

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

2008-11-22T20:50:00.005+02:00

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

2008-11-15T17:10:00.003+02:00

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...

2008-07-13T22:08:00.002+02:00

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

2008-07-13T22:04:00.003+02:00

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

2008-07-13T21:57:00.003+02:00

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.....

2008-06-28T13:12:00.003+02:00

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.....

2008-06-28T13:08:00.003+02:00

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.

2008-06-28T13:02:00.003+02:00

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

2008-06-10T21:08:00.003+02:00

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

2008-05-10T19:27:00.004+02:00

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

Frog.

Action packed Saturday

2008-05-10T19:21:00.003+02:00

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

2008-05-08T20:48:00.004+02:00

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

2008-05-07T20:54:00.002+02:00

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

2008-05-07T20:47:00.003+02:00

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

2008-04-20T15:57:00.006+02:00

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

2008-04-20T15:35:00.004+02:00

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

2008-04-11T18:04:00.004+02:00

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

2008-04-11T00:29:00.003+02:00

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

2008-04-09T15:33:00.003+02:00

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

2008-04-08T14:49:00.003+02:00

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

2008-04-08T14:40:00.003+02:00

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

2008-04-07T14:05:00.003+02:00

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

2008-04-04T00:48:00.002+02:00

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.

2008-04-01T22:38:00.002+02:00

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.

2008-04-01T22:17:00.004+02:00

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

2008-03-29T19:28:00.003+02:00

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...

2008-03-22T23:05:00.002+02:00

A view over the other side.

Dive bombing Skua.

Smile.

Adelie Penguin.

Over night at Lagoon Island cont...

2008-03-22T22:57:00.005+02:00

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...

2008-03-22T22:49:00.003+02:00

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...

2008-03-22T22:38:00.003+02:00

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

2008-03-22T22:23:00.003+02:00

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.

2008-03-18T21:40:00.003+02:00

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.

2008-03-18T21:33:00.004+02:00

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

2008-03-16T03:28:00.006+02:00

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

2008-03-16T03:19:00.004+02:00

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

2008-03-16T03:09:00.005+02:00

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

2008-03-12T22:00:00.003+02:00

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

2008-03-10T14:41:00.002+02:00

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.

2008-03-09T14:53:00.002+02:00

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

2008-03-08T21:35:00.006+02:00

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

2008-03-08T21:12:00.003+02:00

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

2008-03-05T17:54:00.003+02:00

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

2008-03-01T23:29:00.003+02:00

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.

2008-03-01T17:23:00.002+02:00

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"

2008-03-01T00:14:00.002+02:00

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

2008-03-01T00:02:00.004+02:00

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

2008-02-28T19:43:00.004+02:00

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...

2008-02-28T19:37:00.004+02:00

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

2008-02-28T19:25:00.003+02:00

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.

Saturday Night

2008-02-23T00:09:00.003+02:00

Feargil putting James to sleep with his riveting conversation.

Kerry and Sara both surveyors with the Navy.

Matt and me, as you can tell Matt had been drinking quite a lot.

Scouse, Rags and Nico.

Navy Surveyors

2008-02-22T23:59:00.002+02:00

This week we have had some Navy surveyors staying at Rothera who have been mapping the point and the local sea bed.
Pictured above is Roxie.

Pictured above is Chilli who returned to our base after being air lifted from HMS Endurance after suffering from Appendicitis's.

Ringo and Scouse taking the job seriously.

Life around the point

2008-02-16T21:38:00.003+02:00

Well on what could be my 1000th time walking around the point,you could say what s the point walking around the same place that many times. Every time I go around I always find different things to take photos of .
Today there were plenty of Fur Seals.

And Skua's

I nearly got attacked by a furry while taking this pic.

Smile.

This is a "Blond may be Ginger" Fur Seal.

Repaired DC3

2008-02-16T19:01:00.002+02:00

If you scroll down this page on my blog you'll see pictures of this DC3 after it crashed.
After a Hercules full of second hand parts and air mechs was flown down from Canada.
The plane which is worth over half a million is now air worthy and back on its way north.

Also this week one of the medivac cases that went from HMS Endurance via Rothera to a hospital in the Falklands has now returned to Rothera awaiting the return of HMS Endurance.

Asa and Jase away

2008-02-13T17:31:00.002+02:00

Well another two good friends away Asa and Jase heading back to the Uk.
I hope you have a safe and pleasant journey.

I have made many good friends while in Antarctica, I hope to keep in touch when back at home.

The sky looked so busy this morning.

Orca Whales

2008-02-13T15:14:00.003+02:00

Yesterday while Ali was out doing a CTD A pod of Orca passed by.

Orca are only seen around here a couple of times a year.

Orca hunt Seals and other whales. The Large fin is a Male Orca, as you can see there is vast difference in size to the Females in the pod.

There were several adults and a calf.

Spectacular

(Photos courtesy of Ali)

Dive Entry

2008-02-12T16:44:00.000+02:00

2008 Bonner Crew.
Left to Right
Moto,John,Melody,Matt B,Birgit,Kelvin,Ali,Lloyd,Jim,Keiron,Sigglinda and Dickie.

Dive entry from the wharf Next steps a biggun.

Going

GONE.
(photos courtesy of Ali)

Bird man of Rothera

2008-02-12T16:13:00.001+02:00

John has many guises Noddy Holder, Rolph Harris but this picture shows his real calling
The Bird Man of Rothera(Dr DoLITTLE as he is aptly called in the Bonner Lab) naturally birds are drawn to him unfortunately for John it's the feathered variety.

A photo of a Skua chick and one just hatching.

Tech Services Team Photo

2008-02-12T15:13:00.001+02:00

From Left to Right
Jason, Matt,Tim,Me,Graham,Andy,Scott and Asa.
Missing is Scott J who is at Sky Blu and Geoff who couldn't be arsed.

Lack of female form.LOL

2008-02-12T15:00:00.001+02:00

I'm not sure how some of the new winter team will cope with there being a shortage of females on base, as you can see Jase has only been here a short time and is going on Wednesday and he's been affected. Asking Jase how he felt he replied " I wish Scott had shaved as I've got terrible stubble rash"

Seriously it was Asa and Jases last Saturday and everyone had a great time, it didn't finish till the small hours of the morning.

Asa resisting the male advances as Jeff tickles his feet.

Richard,Matt B, Scott B and MattG
Another Night to remember in the Rothera calender.

Ali (winter base comander) and Jase.

Good bye to Asa and Jase.

2008-02-10T17:05:00.001+02:00

Last night was Asa,Jase,Owen and Richards last Saturday night so they stocked the fridge up and put on a free bar.
Needless to say it went down well and finished in the early hours of the mornings.

Better weather and good news.

2008-02-09T20:52:00.000+02:00

Well the weather is good,nice and sunny and the temperature hovering around 0'C.

Yesterday I had an interview over the phone for a project managers job and got the job.
Working on Scottish Water projects throughout Scotland.

A young Elephant seal.

Perfect.

HMS Endurance

2008-02-09T20:45:00.000+02:00

HMS Endurance called in and dropped off a survey party to survey parts of the coast.
As a tradition there is always a Base V Ship football match.

You can tell the armed forces as they have a proper strip.
The out come was 2-0 to them.

The weather has been very poor this summer.

Navy

2008-02-07T17:36:00.000+02:00

This week we have had two Medivac's and HMS Endurance has called in for an exchange of field parties.
When they are in we use their helicopters for putting in supplies to emergency shelters on remote islands.

Another week on its way

2008-02-05T18:29:00.000+02:00

Well another week slipping by and another week closer to going home.
There is little happening on base at the moment apart from we had the Golden Fleece sail boat in yesterday to drop of a guy who fell from the rigging and hurt his back. The doctors on base are checking his injuries out and will then decide whether he will have to be air lifted out.
The Golden Fleece is a charter boat which is currently being used by the BBC to film a nature program.

Gould Night Cont.....

2008-02-01T19:37:00.001+02:00

The Chef of the Gould thanking the base for the party.

A good time had by all.

Whitney singing Albert drumming guy on keyboard ?
The Gould band.

Gould Night Cont.....

2008-02-01T19:23:00.000+02:00

The Gould night was another great success, The Rothera band " Lead Filled Snow Shoe" played a blinder.

Al'ison one of our stunning Mech/ bar persons.

Dave who is only part way through his gender swapping therapy is also a Mech /bar tranny.

Asa trying his come to bed eyes on Matt.

Scott B, Jack and Scott J in the back ground enjoying themselves ?

The Laurence M.Gould

2008-01-27T23:22:00.000+02:00

Today the long awaited arrival of the party ship the Laurence M.Gould arrived. In the morning there was a exchange of people,Rothera people went on board for a tour and a cruse around the bay and the party off the Gould came ashore for a tour of the base for which I was one of the tour guides then after tea we had a party in the Sledge store.
For Rothera folk the Goulds arrival is the main event on the calender and speaking to the folk off the ship it is their main event as well,the Gould is a dry ship with no liquor on board so as you can imagine they look forward to a party.
The Party Photos will be on soon.

Eminem Asa

2008-01-25T20:31:00.000+02:00

Asa one of the Environ electricians sharing my office, as you can see working hard rapping while looking at sport on the internet.

10 Weeks left at Rothera

2008-01-24T22:26:00.001+02:00

Well only 10 weeks left before I leave Rothera I will miss sights like the burgs above and the elephant seals below,as smelly as they are.

The Bremen came in last week one of the only tour ships to come to Rothera. I was a guide with Asa showing the tourists around the base telling them what its like to spend over a year here and what goes on at Rothera.

Medivac

2008-01-24T17:33:00.000+02:00

Last night a medivac flight from Neumayer arrived at Rothera on its way to Chile with a guy who became ill on board a ship near Neumayer.

They stayed here for the night but were straight off again this morning.

(Photos courtesy of Asa)

Major Incident Exercise

2008-01-22T15:57:00.000+02:00

Every year a major incident exercise takes place, a different scenario and its always out of the blue.
This year it was a plane crash in which the air fire crew were also taken out.
So the old winterer's BA teams had to come to the rescue.

Kyle had two broken legs and neck injuries.

Unfortunately Jamie didn't make it as her injuries were to serious
What acting.

Rob and Birgit making up a stretcher.
All in all it was a good effort.

CAT

2008-01-21T18:10:00.000+02:00

A couple of weeks ago the new Cat mini digger was transported to Sky Blu by the Dash 7.
This took some organizing from altering the digger so it would fit into the plane to the man power to get it on and off .

The digger will be used to clear the snow off the runway making it easier for the Dash to land as this plane has no skies.

Unloading.

A group photo of all the team.

The man who came in from the cold

2008-01-14T18:31:00.000+02:00

Welcome back Drew.

Drew has arrived back from his Field Project where he spent nearly two months living and working out of a tent in the Hudson mountain range helping a geologist.
PS.. Nice nose candles

ITN news

2008-01-14T14:16:00.000+02:00

Well another week has gone by and the weather is still not settled. It is so different to when I arrived over a year ago we just had blue skies for months.

Not much happening on base at the moment although we do have the ITN news crew here who are going to be broadcasting live every night for a week on the 1.30 lunch time news, the 6.30 news and the 10 o'clock news.
We also have the Bremen cruse ship in this Friday which is mainly full of German tourists.

Bonner Break

2008-01-10T02:48:00.001+02:00

John the Bonner manager trying to explain science to Tech services but no one could take him serious as he looks like Rolph Harris with the voice of Noddy Holder.
Seriously Johns a sound guy and will be a good member of the new wintering team.

VIP's Visit

2008-01-10T02:32:00.000+02:00

Well tomorrow the VIPs leave after a whistle stop tour of Rothera Research Station, last night after naming the New Bransfield building we had gin and tonic on the veranda watching whales in the bay (about 12 Minki's) then we had a formal dinner where after the VIPs gave speeches on the future of BAS and science in the polar regions.

They expressed how impressed they were at the set up and professionalisms of all the staff.

So hopefully government funding will be secure for the future.

I have met many interesting people down here what an experience.

Time

2008-01-06T18:22:00.001+02:00

I have this strange feeling now as my time here is nearly up, only 14 weeks left.
I am looking forward to seeing the family but the thought of traffic,shopping etc doesn't fill me with joy.

Looking back winter seemed to go really slow but actually it flew and now time just seems to be speeding up.

Its good to see all the new staff settling in and enjoying themselves.
I think they are going to have a great winter.

Burgy Bits

2008-01-06T18:04:00.001+02:00

At this time of year a lot of unusual shaped burgs drift onto the coastline.

Most of the shore is now clear of snow and ice as the temperature has risen.

I met this rather angry juvenile Elephant seal.

There was also a Leopard seal hanging around the bay.

New Years eve 10k race

2008-01-05T15:17:00.000+02:00

These pics are from the annual New Years 10 k run, Which is fiercely contested by the health freaks on base.

Rodger did it in style.

Will doing the hardest work he's ever done.
He said its probably the first time he's broken sweat.

Jase

Moto our Japanese visitor.

Huge Burg

2008-01-05T00:15:00.000+02:00

Today we had a huge ice burg come past the wharf to think that what you see is only one fifth of the burg and the rest is under water.
Even with the people standing on the wharf it still doesn't show how big it really is.
This week end we have some VIP's arriving on base including the new director and some government people.

Hogmanay cont...

2008-01-03T18:28:00.001+02:00

Geoff and what can I say.

Alan,Dave and Andy.

Party Animals

Geoff and Asa.

Hogmanay

2008-01-03T18:17:00.001+02:00

We had a great party on Hogmanay which was enjoyed by all.
Dug and myself.

Geoff, Jack and Asa.

Rachel and Graham (what a pout).

Alan.

Basler Crash

2007-12-31T13:21:00.000+02:00

If you look at my October blog you will see this plane at Rothera in better condition.
It was the first plane to touch down at Rothera after winter.

What happened is, as the plane went to take off and it reached flying speed, one side of the plane went up and the other didn't. The left wing got caught in the ice and sent the plane tumbling.
(As Quoted by Mitchel, passenger on board, Click on to go to Mitchel's blog)

Nasty

This plane was the show piece of the Borek fleet.

Happy Hogmanay to you all.

2007-12-31T01:20:00.001+02:00

Ice View

Wishing you all a happy Hogmanay with health and happiness for 2008.

Hopefully we'll get some better weather in 2008 as the last few weeks have been very dull.

The Pine Island Glacier Mob

2007-12-29T17:16:00.001+02:00

These are the people at Pine Island Glacier the camp that I helped set up in the spring.
Julian, Rob, Richard and Feargal.
They would have had a Christmas to remember, in one of the most remote places on earth.
But not long now and they will be back on base.

Tech Services disco photos

2007-12-29T14:53:00.002+02:00

As you can see we had a great night at the tech services disco.
Of all the party animals the largest group is the tech guys.

The free drink went down well as you can see by the crowd by the bar.

from Left to right
Mad Aussie Will, Scott of the Falklands, Dangerous Dave, Main man Andy,Manos, Jase,
Asa
Jeoff.

Cyril throwing Jamie around I think they were both slightly worse for wear.

Boxing Day my 37th birthday

2007-12-27T14:11:00.000+02:00

Well thats me 37 now ,I shared my birthday with Stephen Constantine one of our Saints he was 39.
I just went around the point and again had a quiet day.

Christmas day

2007-12-27T14:01:00.000+02:00

I hadn't slept a wink as I was excited about Santa visiting my kids back home so at 4am (7am UK time) I phoned home only to find them still asleep.
The rest of the day was a really lazy day as you can see by the photo not just for the humans.

After brunch most of the base watched Indiana Jones. I phoned home again to speak to the kids where they told me what they had received of Santa.
Iona said she must be a really good girl as she had lots of presents.
Euan just wanted to carry on playing with his toys.
Ashely had a great day as well.

Christmas dinner was at 5pm so we all dressed up and had a traditional dinner Cyril and Nicola did a great job, we then ended it with a few glasses of wine/port.

An early night was had by most.

Tech Services disco

2007-12-27T00:18:00.000+02:00

Well the tech services disco went down well, everyone had their fill off drink and danced the night away.
DJ "the Main Man Andy" did us proud with his Ibiza style Rap DJ'ing
Pictured above Left to right Dangerous Dave, Geoff and me.
More pics to follow

There will be more photos to follow

Festive plan

2007-12-19T21:50:00.001+02:00

Although its been blue skies at Rothera but most of the other depots and camps have been under low cloud so flying has been hampered, which means some of the field parties are having to wait to be picked up and might miss Christmas on base.

We are having Christmas and Boxing day off then back to work then and early finish on New Years eve and New years day off.

A time we will all be thinking of family and friends.

Around the point

2007-12-19T13:40:00.000+02:00

Its good to see all the new comers getting out and about Skiing and boarding.
It's amazing how once you've been here a year you always wait for brilliant conditions,
when your new anything will do.

Around the point we saw plenty of penguins, mostly Adelies.
Adelie penguins are truly Antarctic penguins spending most of the winter on pack ice,they also have shortest breeding season due to the harsh conditions.
They can dive over175m for food but mainly catch krill at the surface.
Average weight 5.3kg and average hight 71cms.

They're so comical to watch, but seeing them hop about on and over rocks shows what a hard life they have.

Chinstrap Penguins.
This year we have had a large number of visiting Chinstraps who have ventured further south than usual.
(Global Warming)?

Chinstrap Penguins are probably the most abundant penguins in Antarctica with an estimated population of nearly eight million pairs concentrated on the Antarctic Peninsular.
Chinstraps form a strong bond,returning to the same nest site with the same partner.
Their average weight is 5kg and average hight is 71cms.
I managed to get within a meter of these Chinstraps to take this photo.

Party on

2007-12-18T01:05:00.001+02:00

Well we have had the go ahead for the party on Saturday so Party On, tech services are all treating the rest of the base to free drink, that should get it going.
Watch this space for some more embarrassing pics.

No sign of Christmas

2007-12-16T18:11:00.000+02:00

Well theres no sign of Christmas here yet at Rothera everyones working hard.
Hopefully Tech services are trying to plan a disco for next weekend to kick Christmas off.

Flying South

2007-12-11T22:02:00.001+02:00

A flight heading to the South Pole.

Relief cont.............

2007-12-11T20:11:00.001+02:00

Well yesterday was a cold snowy day which made for a miserable relief.

Scott going for recycling.

What did cheer us up was the sight of a pod of Killer whales going past the ship.

Today was different again the sun was shinning and blue skies, all the fuel bunkering is now finished.

JCR Relief

2007-12-09T22:02:00.001+02:00

Well the JCR is now in and relief began this morning at 8am.
My job along with Scott, Will and Matt is refueling the base today it took 6 hours and tomorrow its an 11 hour shift.

The first things off were the containers then the new diggers.

The Bob Cat is for Sky Blu to help clear the blue ice runway.

JCR due anyday

2007-12-06T17:27:00.000+02:00

Well the ship is due in in the next few days, that will be a busy time but it also means we get fresh food, I've never been into fruit or veg before but when you can't have it everything changes and god I could murder a tomato.

Party time cont...

2007-12-05T17:02:00.001+02:00

What a great night.

We didn't understand what they were singing about but hay who cares.

We were all having a good time.

Unfortunately they had done their work so had to go back which was a shame as they were good fun.