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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29th
Posted: 9:15 am ET
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57.26 South and 65.13 West, just south of Cape Horn
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Day two on the Drake Passage. All is well. Position is 57.26 South and 65.13 West, just south of Cape Horn. Fairly calm seas today. Last full day on the Polar Star so it is a busy day of final lectures, workshops, packing, celebrations, etc. I am sending you a summary of last three days later this morning.
Geoff
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 Expedition Journals
(for yesterday, Dec 28th)
So far, this trip has been the most amazing event in my life, including the lectures, especially the Shackleton epic told in its boundless glory by Dave Fletcher. It's amazing to think how much courage it would take to survive this inhospitable place and then to come back for the men left behind. Also, some of the places we've been are spectacular. My favourite was the hike across Deception Island even though it was more than just a "bit" of a climb as Geoff put it. Another place I truly enjoyed was our last day in Antarctica. Hiking up the glacier and taking one of the most radical slide rides of my life. Now as I reflect, I agree there is something alluring about the vast expanse of this continent whether it's the stunning landscape or the dashing epics. I think, no, I know that I will be back to Antarctica in the future.
Jordan Thompson
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Tonight we will cross the Antarctic Convergence, sadly, on our way home. The water has become a lot rougher as we have ventured further into the Drake Passage. Most of the people on the ship have been so seasick they have been on the floor during meetings and lectures. This morning there were only about 40 students at breakfast, and then the captain closed the library because of all the seasick people. Every time I went into my room, my suitcase was thrown on the floor and sometimes the drawers were open. After breakfast though, we all gathered into our POD meetings for a quick talk on everyone's highlights of the trip; most people mentioned the Orca whale sighting along with the Fur seal. I think my highlight was sledding and seeing the infamous glaciers. I also enjoyed the lectures especially the one by Dave Fletcher on Shackleton. This trip has given me the opportunity to learn things about a place I would have otherwise known nothing about.
-Kathryn Russell
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I was up on the bridge before dinner this evening, and the electronics indicated that we would soon cross 60o S and leave Antarctica. Has it really only been a week since we eagerly anticipated crossing that demarcation in the opposite direction, guessed at when we would cross the Antarctic convergence or spy the first iceberg? Your Students on Ice have experienced what many have described as the most thrilling adventure of their lives. They are returning home deeply affected by what they have seen, heard, and felt. While the photos and videos will give parents and friends a glimpse into this experience, you will not feel the chill of the air, smell the penguins, or hear the crack and rumble of the glaciers surrounding Neko Harbor. We have sat at dinner with men and women who are part of the history of Antarctica and who have followed their passion to live and work there. I will not be surprised if some of this group of students do the same.
Ellen
Chaperone
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And, some photos ...
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