EXPEDITION UPDATE Part 2:
Antarctic Peninsula

Wednesday, Dec. 27
Posted at 11:21 am EST
by Students on Ice Headquarters

We just received many more photos and journals - in addition to the ones we posted earlier this a.m. (see below) Please note that as the ship has been deep in the heart of the Peninsula during the last few days - and e-mailing photos and journals is difficult - some of these journals appear to have been on either on the 26th or 25th.

Enjoy! And as always... stay tuned for more!


(Santa Claus with Emily on the bow of the Polar Star)

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EXPEDITION JOURNALS!

Steven Hamilton – Adult Expeditioner

Hello, family and friends in Knoxville and beyond. Steve here--on the last day in Antarctica.  I just got back on board from the continent.  We are heading back now with the next two days in the Drake Passage.  The forecast is for rough weather (barf).  It has been a great trip.  I would like to come back but with the whole family.   The scenery is amazing; with sights you cannot see anywhere else.  Today we saw a Minke whale again and made a short hike on an abandoned Argentine research base.  Of course, we slid down in the snow.  We also saw an Antarctic “forest”.  There were lots of grass, mosses, and lichens!  At Cuverville we visited another Gentoo penguin rookery.  We also saw a glacier calving.  Beautiful icebergs were seen from the zodiacs at both landings.  The weather was very pleasant.  In fact, I got hot and had to shed some clothes.  We even had a barbeque outside for lunch.  Everyone has acclimated well to the cold.   We had a little bit of sun, a little bit of rain, and a little bit of snow today.  I am looking forward to being home with my family soon.  Everyone pray for calm waters in the Drake.  See you soon.

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Shawn Hagenah – Student

Early this morning we left our last destination and headed off for our two trips. We first went to Cuverville Island. We saw many Gentoo Penguins and their nests. After our landing, we headed off on a zodiac tour of the icebergs in the area. Our zodiac went in between icebergs, and then one of them collapsed. We then boarded the ship and had a BBQ lunch. After whale watching, we went to Paradise Bay where we went on yet another zodiac tour in which our group saw three avalanches. We then climbed a giant and very steep hill. After I got to the top, I slid down (making sure I didn’t hurt my sprained wrist any worse), and I stopped just before the slide ended. I got the snow out of my hair, and I went back aboard the ship. I took a short nap before we finished the Inconvenient Truth and had a discussion on global warming. We then had baked pasta for dinner had a debriefing and briefing for tomorrow, then we went whale watching again.

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John Paydo - Chaperone

We are now leaving Antarctica!  What an amazing experience!  I’ve enjoyed taking time out of the day to listen to the sounds of Antarctica, smell the fresh air of Antarctica, and look at the amazing sites of Antarctica!  I’ll miss those times!  Hopefully good karma will look over us in the Drake Passage tonight for smooth seas!  Hello to my family and friends!  I miss all of you! 

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Posted by Anya Arndt

So far this trip has been amazing.  I have never seen anything more beautiful in my life, and I am sad that it’s almost over.  Yesterday was indescribable.  I found myself wanting to take pictures of the same thing over and over again, because every time I looked at it, I saw something new.  The weather wasn’t too bad either (the sun finally came out and it wasn’t as cold.  This is saying a lot, because I’m from Phoenix, AZ), but today has been really cool.

We started out today in the Lemaire Channel and despite the cold, I thought it was beautiful.  Our stop after that was a Ukrainian base.  Here, research is focused on meteorology, climatology, and the ozone layer.  I thought it was really interesting because it was different than our previous landings, and I finally got to learn about the type of sciences in which I am really interested. Although it was sometimes hard to hear what our guide was saying, I really enjoyed the tour.  The location was also beautiful and the icebergs were amazing.  I feel like I can sit outside forever and never grow tired of the beauty--at least until I start to get cold. Then I go inside for a bit and come back out about five minutes later.  I try to stay out as long as I can, take pictures, and enjoy the magnificence of Antarctica.  I feel so detached from my normal world but more in tune with nature.  Without things from daily life in the city distracting me, I can thoroughly enjoy nature.  I miss everyone and home, and I wish all could experience this with me because it really changes my outlook on life.

I can’t wait to share my experiences with everyone at home, but I will surely miss all my friends here and the sheer beauty of this marvellous continent.  For now I will enjoy this place while I can and hope that someday in the future I can come back!

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Posted by Christina Goethel

Merry Day After Christmas Everyone! Antarctica is amazing, and we landed on the actual continent yesterday! It will be fun to say we touched true Antarctic soil on Christmas Day 2006! This has been one of the best Christmas’ ever and being down here was one of the best presents I could have ever gotten.  Plus, we had sunshine today! It is indescribable.  We have done so many “cool” things. One of my favorites has been visiting penguin rookeries. We have seen adelie, gentoo, chinstrap, and a few macaronis. It amazes me how these penguins only see one tenth of one percent of the people in the world yet they are not fazed by us.  We’re just kind of another thing on the beach as long as we don’t threaten them. They act as if we are not even there unless we get too close to the nests of course.  The scenery here is full of beauty and a pristine wilderness feeling. It is great because it is untouched by humans so it is still in its natural state.  Yesterday as Anya and I were hiking to the top of a part of a glacier in Neko Harbour, we saw a part of another glacier come crashing down into the water.  It was so impressive as a large wave rippled away from where the ice fell to land, the huge crashing sound echoing around the cove.  This place is so majestic and pure.  I believe that is one of the only true wildernesses left.

This morning we started off with our passage through the Lemaire Channel as we headed for the Ukrainian base of Vernadsky in the Argentine Islands. When we reached the narrowest part of the Lemaire, it was choked up with ice, but our awesome captain was determined, and we made it through. Later Geoff told us most ships would have just turned around but not ours.  Once passing through the ice we headed for the base.  This landing was really great because up until now most of our landings had been wildlife or nature based, and it was nice to see the historical side of the Antarctic. The men working at the base were very friendly as they welcomed us to their home and workplace, and they gave us a little tour through the base.  The base focuses on meteorology and climatology and the ozone layer in the Antarctic. They all seemed to love what they do, even the cook, who Kathy, Anya, and I saw dancing and singing along to this cool Ukranian song in the kitchen.  After the base we zoomed off to the Wordie House, which was a base long ago. This was neat because we came from a modern base to an older base that was not as nicely appointed. Here Olle gave us a little information on the base and then were able to explore. I don’t think I would have lasted a winter in that small little hut.  Later today we will be visiting the British base of Port Lockroy which is a more modern base that has been changed to look and feel like an older base. It is also a museum. We get to mail our postcards here so I’m looking forward to that.

This trip has been amazing and incredible and wonderful, and there are no words that can truly describe it! This is definitely the “coolest” place I have ever been.

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(Polar Educator Olle Carlsson)

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Posted by Anthoula Lelekidis

I hope everyone’s Christmas was as joyful as mine. We had a huge gift exchange on the bow of the ship yesterday, and I ended up with a Sudoku puzzle book and the March of the Penguins DVD. I was very glad with my gift since I have been challenging myself with the book today. We made our first landing this morning on to a Ukranian Research Center which had a small gift shop. I was able to bring back a tiny Babushka for myself. We just had some pork sandwiches and french fries, which everyone enjoyed. Our second landing of the day is at Port Lockroy, where we can send a few postcards. The downside of things is that it will take about six weeks to get home. They won’t act like a communication device, but will have an Antarctic stamp on it which is a very rare thing to have. Tomorrow is our last day to explore the Antarctica Peninsula. After that, we will spend two days at sea heading back to Ushuaia. We then will be able to hang out in Ushuaia for a day and spend New Years in Buenos Aires.

I’m growing a bit worried since I’m not sure if everyone is okay back home, but hopefully, I will be able to call home before our final flight. I really miss everyone dearly. Papa, this trip is hands down the most mentally challenging, yet relaxing experience I have ever had. I can’t wait to share it all with you. Of course it won’t be the perfect understanding, but visually the photos will help. I’m about to go make myself some hot cocoa and have some chats. The kids here are awesome papa. I can’t wait to see you!! I love you mad!

Merry late Christmas and Happy early New Year.

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Posted by Daniel Collins

This is really more of a catch-up entry. On the 24th I had tried to write an entry, but it was deleted because the computer died and the next person decided to not recover the file. I actually felt a lot worse yesterday than I thought I did. However, it wasn’t until that night when I opened my uncle’s letter that I remembered all the feelings I’m missing. I don’t care about the presents or the food. I miss my family and everything that comes with them. Because the program kept us completely exhausted and busy yesterday, I didn’t have the energy to write an entry. On the 24th, we landed at Whaler’s Bay, Deception Island. There we saw old whaling facility ruins, an old airplane hangar, and a magnificent view from Neptune’s Window. Afterwards, we got the chance to join the Antarctic Swim Team by jumping into the bay and scurrying back to a “hot tub” dug by the crew and filled with water heated from the semi-active volcano from which the island was formed around. Later, we made a 2-part landing at Hannah Point, Livingston Island. The first part was an Adelie / Gentoo penguin rookery (we also saw 2 Macaroni penguins). Then we headed to an Elephant Seal “hangout.”  There were so many fat, adorable, sleeping, belching, and happy seals. They were very cool.

Yesterday, we made a landing at Danco Island and Neko Harbour. Danco Island had a few Gentoos, but we were there to hike up the hill and see the view from the top. I couldn’t make it all the way up, but I got pretty far. The view I saw was amazing too so I'm okay with that. Then we sailed to Neko Harbour. First, we had a lovely Zodiac cruise through the ice flows and saw some more crabeater seals. They were so cute. Then we set foot on the continent for the first time. There were also had some penguins at this landing, but we were there for a hike followed by an awesome snow slide down the glacier. It was really cool, wet, and cold.  I had tons of fun. That’s really it until later.

I would like to take a moment to say hello to everyone from home and my family especially. I miss you guys so much, and I can’t wait to see you all again. I also want to thank a few very special people. First, my mom and dad for letting me come on this trip. Next, my uncle Rich and Ann, for reminding me with their card how much I miss everyone and how much I love you all. Finally, my Uncle Kenny and Aunt Marianne, for putting up with me for 2 ½ days and showing me a wonderful time in West Palm Beach. I love you all so much and can’t wait to see you again.

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(Hiking at Danco Island)

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Posted by Steven Hamilton 26 December 2006

Helloooo Knoxville.  This is Antarctic Steve-eh.  I just found out all my notes have been getting deleted because I have been writing them so late in the day.  It has been a great trip so far except I have missed my family.  The plane trip down was long, and Argentina airline schedules are just guidelines to be followed loosely at best.  Ushuaia was quaint.  The houses were very small and did not seem air tight.  They get about 4-5 feet of snow a year.  It was windy and cold.  At 10 PM it was too light to see stars.  The boat ride across the Drake Passage was very gentle, and I survived without incident.  It has been overcast and snowy every day except one, which is very unusual.  It is not supposed to snow this time of year.  We have been to many incredible islands and made one continental landing on Christmas Day.  One of the guides told me he knows of only six sites where you can make continental landings in this area.  It is very rugged.  We landed at several penguin nesting areas.  One had around one million penguins.  They are really cute.  We have seen Adeliès, gentoo, chinstrap, and macaroni penguins.   There have been many eggs and chicks.  The chicks are so cute.  Just so you know--penguin poop is pink!  We have seen several seals including Weddell, crabeater, leopard, and elephant seals.  We even saw a leopard seal attack and kill a penguin for lunch.  I have only seen one whale.  It was a Minke whale, and it jumped out of the water about 50 yards away from the ship.  The first iceberg was incredible.  It was very foggy, and this huge white wall appeared out of nowhere about 30 yards away.  It was over 200 feet high and over one mile long.  Pictures will not do it justice.  We have seen several hundred icebergs now, and they are still amazing.  The landscape is other-worldly.  There are these huge jagged mountains covered by stunning glaciers.  I hiked a glacier yesterday and slid down the side of it.  I also made a short hike to the top of Danco Island in this absolutely gorgeous peaceful bay.  The second day here we went to an active collapsed volcano.  We motored into the collapsed caldera and went ashore.  The ground is so hot it smokes all day.  I joined the Antarctic swim team here.  We jumped into35 degrees (Fahrenheit) water and then into a hot tub we dug on the beach.  We dug a hole on the beach about 5 feet away from the water about 2 feet down, and it filled with ground water that is heated by the volcano to about 98 F.  There are some places on the island where the water is almost boiling!  The captain is a truly wonderful gentleman and a great pilot.  He has taken us close to icebergs and rock outcroppings with ease.  I have spent a lot of time on the bridge, and it is very interesting.  They have radar just for icebergs.  Believe it or not, even with over one hundred people on board, Christmas yesterday was quite lonely.  I really missed my family.  We did get a visit by Santa though.  Down here he travels by zodiac boat.  He came aboard and brought everyone a gift.  I mailed a bunch of postcards from a Ukrainian research station today.  I hope they will get there in a month or two!!  I have one and half more days to make landings before we head for home.  The trip has been absolutely spectacular.  Words and pictures do not do it justice.  You all really make a visit.  I actually brought too much clothes and have been rather hot lately.  Either that or I am acclimating.  I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and are having a happy Boxing Day.  I will try to write again later.

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(Landing at the Vernadsky Station)

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Posted by Valerie Perez:

I can not believe it’s the 26th already! Momma only 5 more days! Gosh, I can not believe it. Today we went to a Ukrainian research station. That was really unique! I just feel bad that they’re there for 11 months! They only have 2 more months left, but I don’t know how they are able to do it! It hasn’t even been 2 weeks, and I’m trying extremely hard to not go nuts without all my love ones! Ha-ha. It was really interesting and nice there. The weather wasn’t as beautiful as it was yesterday, but the scenery is still breathless. We’ve practically seen almost everything and keep seeing the same things, but it is like this continent is so rich in beauty. I still get excited when I see the same thing again. We are just all waiting for some whales. Some of us have been lucky and seen some, but we haven’t really spotted one where all of us have seen it. There was this one time, but the whale just gave us a 10 second show then left. He wasn’t that big so we are all on the look out for more whales. These glaciers and icebergs are so beautiful! It’s nothing I’ve ever seen in my wildest dreams. I've seen pictures and documentaries, and I thought, wow it is pretty, but seeing it in real life--that’s a whole different story! We are sending out our postcards today! Late huh! I'm just letting everyone know so I hope you guys don’t expect them to be there before we get home because they won’t! At least all my love ones are going to get one! Today is really cold, unlike yesterday.  The sun was out, and we were all soaking in all the sun that we missed! I miss you momma and daddy!  I've accomplished so much, and it’s all because of you two for making it happen! I just wanted to let you two know I appreciate all you do for me, and I love you guys so much! I miss you. Of course, always I miss Alfred too!  I love you bubs and miss you so much! See you guys soon. I love you and you are all in my prayers!

Love Always,
Your Princess (your 5 point star) 

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(Zodiac Cruising amongst the ice)

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Expedition Update Part 1 :
Antarctic Peninsula

Wednesday, Dec. 27
Posted at 9:14 am EST
by Students on Ice Headquarters

Hello! We just received some photos and an update from Geoff Green. We are told that once the ship moves out of out of a channel - they will have a better satellite connection and will be able to send us a bunch some more journals and photos. So tune in later today for more!

Update by Geoff Green:

“Hello Everyone: First a little bit about our Christmas Day. It was a spectacular and a very big, busy day. The sunshine and blue skies helped to show Antarctica in her magnificent, peaceful beauty. One of her many moods... We did three Zodiac excursions at Danco Island, Neko Harbour and in Lester Cove. In Lester Cove we went on some stunning Zodiac cruises near the face of a massive glacier wall. Once back on the ship, all the students went out on the bow deck, just in time to spot Santa Claus (aka Scobie Claus) coming towards the ship in a Zodiac! We had a fun gift exchange, and then a great Christmas dinner with all the fixings. Our day concluded with an after dinner landing at Neko Harbour, which included some sliding down the glacier! What a day...

We have just finished a great landing at Vernadsky station! Earlier, just before breakfast, we sailed through the famous Lemaire Channel, which was quite exciting because of all the icebergs jammed up in the narrow gap at the southern end. The Captain did a marvelous job getting us through what little space there was. Due to high winds and swell we could not land at the Yalour Islands, so the Ukrainians graciously welcomed us to their station for a visit. It was great for the students to learn about the different types of research they are doing (ie. atmospheric sciences, ozone, and climate change), and to see what life is like on an Antarctic Research station. We also visited Wordie Hut which is around the corner from the base.

We are now sailing back up towards the Lemaire Channel, on our way to an afternoon stop at Port Lockroy. We'll be on the lookout for whales along the way!

This afternoon Olle is giving a talk on "Seals" and then this evening the students are dividing into workshops with all the education team members. Everyone is very happy and healthy!”


(Crab-eaters sunning on a beautiful sunny day)

Posted by Anthoula Lelekidis

(Team photo on Danco)



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(Another peaceful moment on the Peninsula)
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