(Scobie Pye - British Antarctic Survey veteran talks history with students in the library.)

EXPEDITION UPDATE:
Drake Passage - arrival at Elephant Island estimated at 5:00 pm EST this afternoon.

Friday, Dec. 22
Posted at 9:14am EST
by Students on Ice Headquarters

All is well on board! We received some journal entries this morning and a couple of photos of team members. The Polar Star is making good speed in good weather – the temperature is 44F today, and the seas are choppy. Geoff reports that everyone is healthy and happy – a few students and chaperones are a little ‘green’ from all the rolling this morning! The team is expected to arrive at Elephant Island later this afternoon around 5:00 pm EST.

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Student Journals

Thomas Herlihy, Student

Today was our first full day on the trip! The past few days have been beyond words, and we haven’t even gotten to our first Antarctic stop!

Right now it is about 9:55 PM and we just finished watching a movie about the famous journey of Shackleton. It was truly amazing and inspiring. There were three parts of his journey and every one was just as amazing as the one before it. I am definitely going to read any book that I can get my hands on that tells the tale of Shackleton as soon as I return to New York.

I am actually kind of enjoying the tossing and turning boat ride. I have even been out to the bow if the ship with some friends in all my waterproof gear. We were watching waves break over the front of the ship and crash and spray on top of us. The waves are about 12-15 feet high and the spray from them is reaching all the way to the bridge (the control room where the ship is monitored controlled and steered) and that is at least 50 feet above the water level. I think that the best way to avoid sea sickness is to enjoy the ride and have a good time.

Today was also our first round of lectures. We learned about the sea birds of the Antarctic, about the ocean currents and plate tectonics around the world, and also about the largest mammals in the world, whales. I have truly learned and seen some amazing things in the last few days. They are definitely not something that anyone sees everyday which is why this part of the world is so special. I have been keeping a daily journal on my own just to be able to look back on the trip and remember this unbelievable trip. However, I hope that my journal entries on the site will inspire people around the world to do something that they don’t do everyday.

On a side note, since I didn’t write yesterday, the hike that we went on to Laguna Esmeralda was beautiful. Seeing the Andes Mountains from the plane and also being right up inside the valleys and the mountain faces was something else. Walking over that last giant piece of rock and seeing the lagoon at the bottom of the valley left me in awe. I stood there for almost a minute with my jaw dropped just starting at the amazing scenery around me.

That’s all for now. Until next time!

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Joey Duarte, Student

So it is the 3rd day of the actual trip minus the travel days. I was traveling for two day to get to the actual expedition part of the trip. I spent about 21 hours on a plane. Then we went to Ushuaia and went straight to the hotel. We had dinner and then we had our first meeting. It was about 11pm and it was still sunny. It was amazing. It’s hard to think there is a nighttime when it is sunny all the time.

I went on a great hike. We started walking through the woods. I was thinking it was going to be nice.  It didn’t seem like it was going to be that bad. Then we went to the bog. Every time you took a step you would sink and maybe get stuck. Many people got stuck and a couple of people fell, but we made it to the lagoon. It was a very beautiful sight. Hey Nadia, I still have your Virgin Mary. We’ve been on the ship all day and haven’t seen much. We have been to a couple lectures and are learning about the different animals and climates. Well, I have to go to another lecture so I will talk to you as soon as I can. I miss everyone and I will talk to you soon.


(Students participating in Eric's Oceanography workshop)

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Parker Foster, Student

Today we woke up from are first trip overnight. Yesterday night we saw our first penguins in the water feeding. All we could see was their heads, but it was very cool. When they said there were penguins, everyone jumped up to look. The temperature was not that cold. Well, at least not yet. We had our first lesson on birds. I was very surprised that the Royal Albatross had such a huge wingspan (305-351 cm or 120-138 in.). Our second lesson was on ocean currents. It was very interesting about how they are made and how around Antarctica they are big. Our third lesson was on whales. The Drake Passage is very rough but surprisingly very weak compared to what it can be everyone says. I guess we are lucky. Tomorrow afternoon we should reach Antarctica.

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Tanya Medina, Student

I guess I will make this fun and brief. As to what’s going on with Miss Tanya…. after a very long flight, arriving at the hotel in Ushuaia was a site that was well worth the wait.  The view of the city from the hotel was amazing.  My excitement came the next day when I did a three mile hike up to a beautiful mountain fresh water lake where our group sat and ate lunch.  Overall, it was a bit messy but well worth it.

Setting sail through the Beagle Channel was awesome and definitely got my blood and excitement level going.

Currently we are travelling through the Drake Passage, and so far it is exciting.  We haven’t hit rough seas as of yet making us pretty lucky. After hearing that the waves can be pretty rough I definitely appreciate it. We will be arriving at Elephant Island and possibly hopping in the zodiac boats to visit this place which is a real special part of Antarctic History.  PLUS LOADS of HAPPY FEET (penguins). The real fun of the Antarctica is coming up tomorrow, and all I have to say is LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW. Stay tuned for Tanya’s adventure in wonderland tomorrow!

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Darcy McNicholl, Student

I stepped out on the deck of the polar star this afternoon to meet Geoff standing their broad shouldered like a gallant captain. He looked outward on to the frigid water with his red arctic suit and gradually helped us all into the zodiac. I held on to the ropes tightly not knowing what to expect from turquoise waves that lapped gracefully up against our little black boat. With a gurgle from the engine we began speeding off into the snowy wind of the Elephant Island bay.

Great monoliths of rock towered above us, while my hands quivered from either the cold or my uncontrollable excitement. Chin-Strapped penguins emerged in and out of the water around us in groups of five or six. Some would surface and tread water for a moment, allowing me to make eye contact with their black beady little eyes. These little birds will never cease to amaze me. The fact that they can live out here for their whole lives in this polar desert is truly extraordinary. Their stout little bodies and pure black feathers contrasting against their snow-white bellies always brings a smile to my face.

Geoff pointed us in the direction of Point Wild, where Shackleton’s men survived the phenomenal extremes of the Antarctic. The strip of uneven rock was no more than 20 meters long and 10 meters across, and was speckled with nesting penguins. It is truly inspiring how mere mortals were able to live under these conditions at the end of the world. One can only begin to imagine the harsh winters and loss of hope that haunted these men for the most difficult chapter of their lives. It makes me wonder now what kinds of things that I may be capable of; whether it is beating the odds or enduring beyond limits I could only dream of.

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Emily Shackleton, Student

Today we arrived at our first destination - Elephant Island. Standing at the bow of the boat in the fog and snow, its ominous figure crept up on us.  I can honestly say that it was one of the most amazing sights I’ve seen in my entire life. I was speechless. This amazing, but hostile land was where Shackleton’s men spent countless days and nights waiting for his return. I got goose-bumps just thinking about this small island’s historical value. It was even greater getting on the zodiac. At first I was a little skeptical and worried about the cold but when we got out there I was hypnotized by the beauty of it all. The water was even bluer up close. We got to go almost right next to the penguins, and we spotted our first seal. We could go right up to the seal, and it kept going like we weren’t even there. The whole experience was amazing. To be honest, I hadn’t really “gotten it” until now. People were asking me, why Antarctica, what’s there to do? I hadn’t been able to answer - even I didn’t know what it was all about. Antarctica--it’s a block of ice, that’s what it was to me. Now I know differently. This journey has been overwhelmingly amazing, but it really finally clicked when we got out there and saw everything up close.  I never forget that moment--the first moment stepping out on that tiny craft will stay with me forever, and I’m glad to be able to have this life-changing experience.

PS- Hi Mom, Dad, Leah, Melissa, and all of my friends and family. Grandmere- thanks for everything, it means the world to me.

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John Paydo, Chaperone

Last night at 9:40, we crossed the Convergence into Antarctica.  There is so much to do on the ship.  Right now, students were given an opportunity to choose between different workshops – Antarctic Vocalization, Antarctic Literature, or Photography.  What an amazing group of students we have traveling with us.  Wow…I’m so impressed by the enthusiasm, friendliness, and respect of the students. They are having the time of their lives.  Most students have very little idea of what to expect.  There is excitement in the air.  We are getting closer to the Antarctic Peninsula.  We will hopefully make our first landing today on Elephant Island where Shackleton landed after his expedition to Antarctica.  Last night we watched the IMAX movie about Shackleton and Antarctica.  If you haven’t seen it…it is an amazing story about the will to live and devotion to friends and family.  Later today, we will be having a briefing about Zodiac safety as well as learning more about the Antarctic treaty.  Right now...it’s snowing.  There’s no doubt we’re going to have a White Christmas!  We haven’t seen our first iceberg, but many believe it will be today.  Hello to all of my family, friends, and students who are following the journey to Antarctica.  Love, John.

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Ryan Simone, Student

I am loving life on the boat. To put it in “Jersey Terms” it is wicked-awesome! The past three days has really shown me that it’s not what you’re seeing, it’s who you’re seeing it with. Everyone is getting along really well and we are all sharing a lot of laughs. I am trying to convey to everyone why Jersey is truly the best state, while Jenny is saying the opposite about Georgia. To put it simply – I love everyone on this boat.

We have seen some amazing things today. We spotted our first iceberg. I wasn’t really expecting it to be so large. I was walking up expecting maybe mini van size, but I got more of a “Rhode Island” size berg out there! Then we saw Elephant Island in the distance. Truly one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. The mountains were huge and we were so excited to see land for the first time in two days. We got the announcement that we were going to take our first Zodiac Cruise. We sort of stampeded to our cabins to suit up and head over to the wet room. Getting in the boats we realized how choppy the zodiacs were. We hopped in on a whim and a prayer, and luckily we are all still dry. Well, relatively. Once we got cruising around we saw Point Wilde where Shackleton’s men spent four and half months. Now inhabited by thousands of chinstrap penguins the smell was overwhelming. But it was too cold to notice. We then cruised around over to a huge iceberg to see penguins and seals hopping out of the water. Dinner is going to be coming up soon, so I am going to wrap this up. Mom and Dad – sorry I have not called. Um, I am not going to lie. I knew I should have but….I didn’t. Hey I am having a great time though; love you guys dearly. Send the family my love and have an awesome Christmas.

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Shannon O’Brien, Student

I never thought I would get seasick. Not me. Nope. I’ve been on numerous flights across the world. I’ve been on boats and ships before. Seasickness is not a problem in my life. Two days ago, we set out on our expedition. I took a Dramamine just to be safe but a few hours later, the toilet and I were close friends.

The second I didn’t get sick but still went to bed, praying that I would get my sea legs.

This morning, I awoke to the gentle rocking of the waves. I felt fine and dandy. I participated in all the activities and loved going out on the Zodiac’s for the first time. We saw an amazing colony of Chinstrap penguins and some massive icebergs. My friend Daniel and I were one of the first to spot the iceberg. It is cold but the food (Quesadillas) and friends keep me warm. I still can’t fathom that we are in Antarctic waters.

Mom and Dad - I miss you but I’m sure your having a jolly old time in the Caribbean. Stop worrying about me! Grandma- I hope the kitties are good. Tell everyone I’m doing fine. I hope to see you really soon. Everyone from School- Hope the days I missed were boring without me…just kidding…have a great Christmas, see you next year!

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Nihal Jhajj, Student

The voyage is underway. There are those of the hardened stomachs who have not seen green, spare the hue of others. Success has also been met by some carrying a myriad of pharmaceuticals. Though the seas have been relatively calm, a rapidly diminishing pile of “barf bags” all too clearly suggests the existence of the “Unfortunate Ones”.

I have been blessed with a small yellow box labeled “Transderm V”. For those not in the know, it is the most powerful and arguably most effective drug to combat seasickness. Of course, there is no such thing as a wonderful drug that eliminates all problems quickly and with repercussion. A quick glance to the small paper in the container confirmed my suspicion, “Side effects may include drowsiness (check), short term memory loss (check) and hallucination (possibly).

We’re currently heading through Drake Passage, home to the roughest waters in the world. Reader, this is no cruise ship and there are no wave stabilizers. The ocean rocks us which ever way she wants. Over the past few days, I’ve been fortunate enough to acquire an adequate pair of sea legs. Many others are still careening like drunks into walls.

Drake Passage is the true party that never stops. There is no end to biting winds, the waves never let up, fish don’t sleep, and birds can fly forever. It’s a small passage fed by entire oceans, all colliding and passing though in a combined effort to make us all sick. It is the definition of motion. 

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Blondie Rogers (aka Samantha), Student

Today for me was a little rough, and I think it was for some other people too. Lots of people have been getting sick, but lots are feeling better now. Today we got to sleep in, and it was nice. We ended up crossing the Antarctic Convergence Zone at 9:40 PM. The lectures have been great, we have been learning a lot, and I am excited about everything we are going to do. Getting on the boat was so shocking because you were finally thinking that we are going to ANTARCTICA!! The weather outside is getting colder as we speak, and we are getting lots of snow.  I can not wait to take some more pictures. Everyone is very nice, and I am having a blast getting to know everyone. The boat is getting easier to walk around on, but I still need some time.

I  Just wanted to say MERRY CHRISTMAS to my Mom, Brother Tim and my Grandma, and I hope that they are not missing me too much.  I will see you when we come back in about eight days. Tell everyone I say “hi” and the animals too. Miss everyone a lot, and I am thinking about you!  Love ya lots, and I will keep you updated most of the time.  I will buy some cool things on the ship.

Love Blondie...

Miss ya Mom, Tim, Grandma, Sydney, Buddy, and Gazoo

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Tanya Medina, Chaperone

Now back to give you this breaking news.  After two days on the seas of the Drake Passage, the first iceberg was spotted this day - Friday December 22, 2006, en route to our first stop of Antarctica – Elephant Island.  This island is where the famous story of Shackleton took place. If you don’t know the story, then you have to read the book or see the movie. It’s fantastic.  Ok, back to our journey.  There were many chinstrap penguins just having an awesome time swimming with our boat – the Polar Star.  Once arriving at Elephant Island we dropped anchor and started to pair into groups to start our Zodiac trip, which are mini raft-type boats to do some research and to get a closer look at the chinstrap penguins in their natural habitat. Not to mention to smell them in their natural habitat! While doing so I was the first to spot a fur seal that actually started to wave to me.  I guess he noticed me too.  Wink wink…

After a wonderful day in the zodiacs around some parts of Elephant Island, we made our way back to the home vessel to continue our journey to another part of the Antarctic.  The island is called DANGER Island.  I hope that’s just the name given because it’s hard to get to, not because of what’s on it.  Well stay tuned to find out what this island is about. If I don’t report back to you (haha), then I guess we know what the danger is….TO BE CONTINUED…………..

This is Tanya Medina over and out for now………..

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Vanni Mah, Student

Today was our first official day in Antarctica. In the morning we had a lecture on penguins by Santiago, and there were several workshops that we could choose from. Later on, we finally sighted our first iceberg. It was enormous, several times bigger than our ship. Then we finally sighted Elephant Island. The feeling of finally seeing our first bit of Antarctica was exciting. Later, we were fortunate enough to be able to make a trip off the boat to get closer to the land on the Zodiac boats. Diz, who was the driver of the Zodiac I was in, was crazy! She drove so fast, and we caught lots of waves. It was a lot of fun. It was so amazingly beautiful; I can’t even describe it in words. We saw tons and tons of Chinstrap penguins, and some people even saw a seal or two. When I got off this boat, felt the snow on my face, and saw my first penguin, it finally hit me – we’re really in Antarctica. I’ll be speechless with excitement for the next few days!

It’s about time to start our last lecture of the day, “An Artist’s Life” by Bill Lishman. To my family and friends back home, I love you and miss you lots! But don’t worry, this expensive trip is not going to waste. J I’m enjoying every moment of it; all the ups and the downs. And believe me, I have plenty of pictures to show you when I get home.

Love Vanni       

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Valerie Perez, Student

The day hasn’t even ended, and I can already say how much fun I had! The past two days were so dreadful, but it was because we were out at sea, all we saw was water and we really didn’t do anything.  But today…. WOW.  I admit I was feeling a little home sickness but I woke up today feeling terrific! Today was just one fun day! It’s only the beginning. These past couple days I’ve been so tired and just wanted to lay down, but there was something today that made me feel so good inside! We went to Elephant Island, and it was snowing! Coming from California I’ve never seen snow so I was really excited about that! I’m really looking forward to tomorrow. It’s just so intense because you don’t really know what is ahead of us, and we just have to go with the flow. Things happen for a reason, right mom! Well I’m about to go to sleep, and I just wanted to tell my family that I pray for all you guys every night. Nine more days, mommy! I miss you all, especially my Alfredo! Good night, sleep tight, don’t let the bed buggies bite!          

Love Always, Your Princess Val (your 5 point star)

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Molly Woodrow, Chaperone
Sam Robinson, Student
Robert Keenan, Student

Greetings from Antarctica!!  Hope all you Vol fans are doing okay out there.  We’re disappointed that we’ll miss the Outback Bowl, but this program is AMAZING!!  We can tell we’re not in Tennessee.  We have seen lots of snow and have had lots of bird sightings!  We all say Merry, Merry Christmas!!  GO VOLS!

STAY TUNED FOR MORE!