All entries under 'E-Base Story'

It was another early morning and anticipation was high because of yesterday’s failure to get a flight. When we arrived at the airport, the weather report was good and we boarded the flight practically straight away. It was a fantastic flight and we even had an in-flight meal.

When we landed on King George Island it was great to see Alejo and finally start our mission. The E-Base and Accommodation Unit were exactly the same as I had remembered when we left a year ago. After getting settled in, it was right to work.

Jamie and I went down to the lake to get some water and the rest of the guys brought up the bags. Time for a nice rehydrated lunch, and then to having a look at the wind turbines and sorting everything out that we need for setting them up tomorrow. Stuart and Justin also had a look at the batteries. It was great that they had remained charged over winter and are ready to be hooked up tomorrow.

Then after a hard day it was a great pasta and wine dinner, quick game of cards and off to bed here in a minute.

Jake
2041

Download So near…

Music thanks to Audio Network

For any other travellers or expeditions who are stuck in Punta Arenas, the team have spent today creating a handy interactive map of the town’s highlights. Click on the icons to find out more. You can zoom in and pan using the controls in the top left of the map.

View Larger Map

Only the bravest would hitch a lift. I personally don’t recommend it! This is what it has come to. We wait in our room for the phone to call. It seems like an eternity. At least we have the luxury of not having to carry our own luggage into Bellingshausen, since it was shipped out in anticipation yesterday. But when we will be joining it, I have no clue. Already Stuart’s emergency pants have been used and there is only so much air freshener in the world. But this is the nature of the beast. This is Antarctica. No one ever said that this would be easy, but I keep reminding myself that it will be worth it when touchdown on the runway.

We have just returned from Magallenes Island, approximately 20 miles north of Punta Arenas, where reside almost 200,000 penguins. I have never seen so many in my life. The island was incredible and we had a great time photographing and filming them go about their routine. To survive such incredible extremes in weather, they have to be pretty hardy. Penguins have evolved to function in the Antarctic winter, but humans have not. We will be guests in their habitat and between you and me, I hope they haven’t raided our bags and run off with my warm jumpers!

Justin
npower

Download Groundhog day

Music thanks to Audio Network