17 Jan 2011 - Invited ashore to visit Palmer Station (USA)

Adele Penguin rookery, Torgeson Island

Looking across to Palmer Station on Anvers Island, from Torgeson Island

The largest staion we've visited with approx 40 summer-resident scientists and staff

Snoozing Crab Eater Seal drifts by....

16 Jan 2011 - Tony's 50th Birthday!! Full day motor-sailing from Vernadsky Base to Palmer Station (USA) on Anvers Island



Hit a rock - grounded departing Vernadsky



No wind - lots of icebergs



Let the celebratrations begin!

 


The birthday cake!



A visit & birthday gift from Palmer Station

15 Jan 2011 - Verndadsky Station (Ukrainian)

Base Commander 'Andre' showing us the machine that discovered and every 15 minutes still monitors the hole in the Ozone layer



We were invited ashore for drinks in the bar with the Ukranian scientists



When in Vernadsky......if you're 'lucky' you're offered the infamous Vernadsky Vodka, home distilled by the base doctor, 'Nichola' 

More stunning scenery from snow-shoe hiking at Vernadsky Base, in the Argentine Islands on Penola Strait

Hot trekking - Bill regretted remarking that if he had to take any more layers off he'd be down to his snow-shoes and jocks!



Our stern and bow lines out at Vernadsky anchorage






Sea kayaking quickly past menacing ice cliffs, at Vernadsky

14 Jan 2011 - The Beautiful Lemair Channel

 

A dangerous place - no lingering

The more conventional way to visit Antarctica

13 Jan 2011 Weathered-in at Port Lockroy

Anchored in 50 knot winds




Whale bones at Port Lockroy



10th Wedding Anniversary Dinner - thanks Cath!

 





12 Jan 2011 - Port Lockroy (British Base)



Port Lockroy

 

The girls on their tour of duty



A postcard from Antarctica - the most southern mailbox in the world!



11 Jan 2011- Toboggan Races at Dorian Bay



Good sailing day



 

Good exercise - several ascents - no chairlift - perfect snow

 

Good view

Good fun!