Well I was finally successful in connecting the Satellite BGAN. I did it from the top of the ship’s freezing deck whilst others headed off to the Vernadsky station and an original UK station that has been preserved as a tourist attraction more than anything else. So you should now see a lot of video and photos in the Expedition website. Doing it from the top of the ship took ages as the ship gradually and naturally moves around. I had to stop and redo around 3 times.
Then at 5 p.m. we ceremoniously rang six bells each for the team, staff, Antarctica, Drakes Passage and Neptune for a safe passage.
As I type the swells are picking up again and its getting hard to type or read. Drinking is a problem as well. One of the many catchphrases is keep one hand free for the ship and I have to confess being a bit naughty by cutting in Al Murray style for “One hand for the ship and two hands for the beer !!”
Anyway I’ve got my scopoderm patch on which is pretty effective at countering the seasickness but the side effects of drowsiness, perpetually dry mouth and, wait for it, diminished eyesight make life a little unpleasant.
Leaving Antarctica behind feels odd. I can completely understand the seduction of the place and why people come back time and again. I felt strangely comfortable here, despite the cold. But I miss my family and now can’t get home fast enough.
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