The last week has been a slow journey of winding our way through the sea ice of the Weddell Sea, occasionally getting stuck for between 15 minutes and 8 hours at a time.
The crew have a number of ways of freeing the ship when this happens: moving ballast and fuel to cause the ship to lurch, or swinging the crane around. As a last resort a container is hung from the crane. This has so far worked and we have only 30 miles of fairly easy ice to negotiate before 40 miles of open water to number 4 creek at Halley where we “dock”.
There’s been plenty to see this week; more penguins, seals and birds. I also had a good look around the engine room and spent some time up the conning tower which is where they drive the ship from in heavy ice as there is a better view of any water aound.
Today (24th) was Christmas Day, as we are due to get there tomorrow and be really busy. We had football on the ice (won 4-0) which is a bit worrying above 3.5km of water, carols on the focsul and a 6 course dinner. By the time we get there none of us will be fit to work!!!
Series - Antarctic Painting
- Polar Painting
- Journey South
- The Journey Continues; Iceberg Ahoy!
- Ice Ice Baby
- The Weddell Sea
- Nearly there!!
- Halley 6 : On The Ice
- All Work and No Play
- Different Shades of Grey
- Racing Penguin
- The Move Begins
- Moving Postcard from Antarctica
- Winter approaches
- The Halley Marathon
- The Final Week
- The Journey North
- Antarctic Painting – Year 3
- Antarctic Demolition
What an amazing game of football – even I would have played – 3.5km of water under the pitch – wow!
He’s not kidding when he says “nearly there” – look how far they’ve come after days of baby steps…
In the Control Room, were there any buttons that said “Do not press!”?
Yes, it’s a bit scary that he is allowed in there!
It’s the lever that says’ do not pull’ that you really want to avoid!
I love penguins!!!!!
Hi
:zip:
Tried to send a message yesterday from IPHONE… seems to have got lost… showed your message to Steve’s family on Boxing Day. V. impressed by IT ALL… especially the wildlife pics…
Take care. ❗
We miss you. :alien:
CX
Merry christmas and a very happy new year from all of us at Greenbank farm. Hope you get there safe and sound and enjoy all of the wildlife! Happy new year from Helen, Syliva, Bronte and Josh. On my way to Les Gets now!