Monday, 24 December 2007
Mission Control
St George's Antarctic Expedition arrived back at Edinburgh Airport in the late afternoon of Sunday 23 December. The distance they had covered is conveyed vividly by the fact that they had been travelling back from the Antarctic Peninsula since Tuesday! Drake's Passage, frequently so stormy, was calm for them; recompense for the heavy seas and sickness they had endured before. The flights back were long, broken briefly in Buenos Aires, where temperatures hovered around 30 degrees! All that has now changed, of course, as the expedition arrives home to family and friends for a very cold Christmas. Judith McClure spoke to Commander in the Field Helen Mackie soon after the safe return of the expedition. Our redoubtable Commander was as chirpy as ever and full of admiration for the St George's Team. Congratulations, everyone! We look forward to seeing the photographs and of course of celebrating the return of George, the St George's Nursery Bear, freed from his horrible kidnap. Have a wonderful Christmas and then start editing those illustrated expedition diaries.
Thursday, 20 December 2007
Tuesday 18th December - Final day in Antarctica
Yesterday we had a stunning day, setting foot on mainland Antarctica as opposed to the islands we've been visiting, and then cruising Cierva Cove among the icebergs and glaciers. The visit to Port Lockroy ended a perfect day with the girls learning to drive zodiacs at 10.00pm in calm seas and broad daylight. Amber was the speed queen and Lyn got really into it but failed to master the stop control!! Mairi, Laura and Michelle all proved proficient so we want to add zodiac driving to our skills courses next year with obligatory field experience in the Southern Ocean.
Today we woke to overcast skies which gave different light and textures to the amazing scenery as we ship cruised the Lemaire Channel, and then anchored at Petermann Island. We stepped out through the snow and sat down to observe the black headed Adelies on their nests of stones, some with eggs and some with newly hatched chicks - so cute. Then it was into zodiacs to cruise amongst the ice the 5 miles to Vernadsky Station - it was formerly a British station called Faraday but was sold to the Ukrainians in 1998 for one pound (cheaper than dismantling the whole place). The ice looked so blue today and we got close to Weddell seals and Antarctic terns. We had a tour of the Ukrainian station where they have the Dobson spectrometer for measuring the concentration of ozone in the atmosphere. It was here that they first discovered the hole in the ozone layer. The station was warm and cosy with good working conditions but the men had been there since last March and told us gleefully that it was only 68 days until they would be going home - it's a pretty quiet life down here. They were very welcoming. Back to the ship and settle down because now we must prepare for the Drake's Passage which is so unpredictable. We realise how remote we are in knowing that we are now leaving Antarctica yet it will be almost five days before we get home.
It will take some time to digest the whole experience but we hope you have enjoyed sharing it with us so far. We have a lot of photographs which we hope you will enjoy too.
Many thanks to everyone for all your support for this unique adventure, and a Merry Christmas when it comes.
Today we woke to overcast skies which gave different light and textures to the amazing scenery as we ship cruised the Lemaire Channel, and then anchored at Petermann Island. We stepped out through the snow and sat down to observe the black headed Adelies on their nests of stones, some with eggs and some with newly hatched chicks - so cute. Then it was into zodiacs to cruise amongst the ice the 5 miles to Vernadsky Station - it was formerly a British station called Faraday but was sold to the Ukrainians in 1998 for one pound (cheaper than dismantling the whole place). The ice looked so blue today and we got close to Weddell seals and Antarctic terns. We had a tour of the Ukrainian station where they have the Dobson spectrometer for measuring the concentration of ozone in the atmosphere. It was here that they first discovered the hole in the ozone layer. The station was warm and cosy with good working conditions but the men had been there since last March and told us gleefully that it was only 68 days until they would be going home - it's a pretty quiet life down here. They were very welcoming. Back to the ship and settle down because now we must prepare for the Drake's Passage which is so unpredictable. We realise how remote we are in knowing that we are now leaving Antarctica yet it will be almost five days before we get home.
It will take some time to digest the whole experience but we hope you have enjoyed sharing it with us so far. We have a lot of photographs which we hope you will enjoy too.
Many thanks to everyone for all your support for this unique adventure, and a Merry Christmas when it comes.
To Primary 6
Hi P6 great to hear from you.
We have had amazing adventures and will tell you all about it in January. We spent today in little rubber zodiac oats cruising amongst icebergs and leopard seals as penguins bobbed about in the water too. Penguins are very cute and we saw some chicks which had just hatched too. However they are much more smelly than you would think.
Have a great holiday and a very happy Christmas - it will take us 4 days to get back home from here - we are very remote.
love to you all Mrs Mackie and the St George's Antarctic Expedition team
We have had amazing adventures and will tell you all about it in January. We spent today in little rubber zodiac oats cruising amongst icebergs and leopard seals as penguins bobbed about in the water too. Penguins are very cute and we saw some chicks which had just hatched too. However they are much more smelly than you would think.
Have a great holiday and a very happy Christmas - it will take us 4 days to get back home from here - we are very remote.
love to you all Mrs Mackie and the St George's Antarctic Expedition team
Wednesday, 19 December 2007
Mission Control
Greetings to the St George's Antarctic Expedition from everyone at Mission Control! Last night we had the Upper School Carol Service in St Giles' Cathedral: it was absolutely wonderful. We have just finished Break Up Assembly in the Upper School. I told them of the good wishes of the student members of the Expedition and the amazing account of the St George's Old Girl from the Class of 1983 taking care of the post as one of the three inhabitants of Port Lockroy! We are all looking forward so much to hearing your stories and seeing your photographs in January. St George's students are now on their way home for Christmas. But we have been thinking of your long journey back and in particular of your facing Drake's Passage. On Sunday, you will be home in Edinburgh! We wish you all a safe journey and a very happy Christmas with your families and friends.
Ratho Weather Base
TO: Captain, Mission Control
FROM: Ratho Weather Base
UPDATE: Tuesday, 18 December 2007. 14-00 UTC.
Edinburgh is positively tropical today at plus 5 deg. C. The Away team is sitting at minus 2 deg. C. The sky is almost completely overcast with the sun breaking through occasionally, but no signs of snow. Light winds. It appears that the Away team is reluctant to return to Edinburgh, better cancel all Christmas arrangements then! They are on the island of Goudier............well it's called an island. It measures approximately 100m top-to-bottom by 200m wide. The "Capital" is Port Lockroy, which appears to comprise one large hut. No cars or traffic lights!!! The island is located at 64.8 deg. south, which, according to my latest data, gives the girls an official 2 hour night. Though there will be no real darkness. You have to be at about 65.5 deg south (about a 100 miles south of their position) before you get 24 hours of true daylight, i.e., the sun never disappears below the horizon.
Might squeeze in one more report, but if not Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone at SG.
FROM: Ratho Weather Base
UPDATE: Tuesday, 18 December 2007. 14-00 UTC.
Edinburgh is positively tropical today at plus 5 deg. C. The Away team is sitting at minus 2 deg. C. The sky is almost completely overcast with the sun breaking through occasionally, but no signs of snow. Light winds. It appears that the Away team is reluctant to return to Edinburgh, better cancel all Christmas arrangements then! They are on the island of Goudier............well it's called an island. It measures approximately 100m top-to-bottom by 200m wide. The "Capital" is Port Lockroy, which appears to comprise one large hut. No cars or traffic lights!!! The island is located at 64.8 deg. south, which, according to my latest data, gives the girls an official 2 hour night. Though there will be no real darkness. You have to be at about 65.5 deg south (about a 100 miles south of their position) before you get 24 hours of true daylight, i.e., the sun never disappears below the horizon.
Might squeeze in one more report, but if not Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone at SG.
Tuesday, 18 December 2007
Message from Another Old Girl
Imagine our surprise on ariving at Port Lockroy this evening to find that the postmistress(one of the 3 inhabitants here) is a former student of St George's - Helen Annan was a sixth form boarder for 2 years and left in 1983 - I remember her and she remembers many of her teachers. She has been quite an adventurer working in such places as Mongolia and has just arrived in Antarctica this season. Great excitement all round and lots of photographs, so plenty to report to the OGA.
We have had a perfect day, starting our landings at 5.00am this morningand have been enjoying true Antarctic scenery of unsurpassable beauty. More at dawn tomorrow, although there is no dawn as we have light all the time, and then we steel ourselves for the dreaded Drake's passage as we make our way back North.
Best wishes to all for a happy holiday and a very Merry Christmas.
We have had a perfect day, starting our landings at 5.00am this morningand have been enjoying true Antarctic scenery of unsurpassable beauty. More at dawn tomorrow, although there is no dawn as we have light all the time, and then we steel ourselves for the dreaded Drake's passage as we make our way back North.
Best wishes to all for a happy holiday and a very Merry Christmas.
Monday, 17 December 2007
News from the Girls
Here is the latest up date for the blog (from the girls),
G'day! Greetings from the most Southern continent in the world - Antarctica! We have had the most amazing weeks of our lives, despite the notoriously evil fur seals.
And we are currently trying to commandeer the ship and sail around the entirety of the Antarctic continent. So far we are succeeding as the ship is flying our flag.
Today we awoke at 04:30! This was to do a landing at Mikkelsen Harbour where the snow was so deep it was half way up our thighs. There was a seal, gentoo penguins and we saw one chinstrap penguin. After breakfast we pestered everyone to get photos before the sea sickness kicks in again. Then we landed on the official land of Antarctica (like the actual mainland - not an island!). Then we went on a zodiac (so fun!) - we hung out the zodiac and fished ice out of the sea. *HINT* - don't eat ice out of the sea, it's salty.
We went real close to a glacier and even touched icebergs. We are sailing through the Gerlache Straight and Neumayer Channel to get to Port Lockroy - where we have a landing this evening (to post the cards!). Today we used the hydrophone, however we didn't hear any orca, but we did hear a leopard seal.
We are all having a wonderful time, mingling with the crew and expedition staff. We are learning some Italian and Spanish well and even some Russian. Uncle Jamie (staff) and Father Christmas (staff) are two of the most fun guys on the ship along with Snowy (bird watching staff). All the staff are lovely and the food is delicious.
We are having a barbeque tonight on the bow of the ship, and will be pumping beats all over the Southern ocean.
We are all enjoying ourselves and all plan to come back soon. We would quite happily stay here for another six months. Hope all is well, and even though we are having the time of our lives we do miss you guys back home.
See you all soon
Lots of love,
Amber, Laura, Lyn, Mairi and Michelle xxx
PS: MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!!!
G'day! Greetings from the most Southern continent in the world - Antarctica! We have had the most amazing weeks of our lives, despite the notoriously evil fur seals.
And we are currently trying to commandeer the ship and sail around the entirety of the Antarctic continent. So far we are succeeding as the ship is flying our flag.
Today we awoke at 04:30! This was to do a landing at Mikkelsen Harbour where the snow was so deep it was half way up our thighs. There was a seal, gentoo penguins and we saw one chinstrap penguin. After breakfast we pestered everyone to get photos before the sea sickness kicks in again. Then we landed on the official land of Antarctica (like the actual mainland - not an island!). Then we went on a zodiac (so fun!) - we hung out the zodiac and fished ice out of the sea. *HINT* - don't eat ice out of the sea, it's salty.
We went real close to a glacier and even touched icebergs. We are sailing through the Gerlache Straight and Neumayer Channel to get to Port Lockroy - where we have a landing this evening (to post the cards!). Today we used the hydrophone, however we didn't hear any orca, but we did hear a leopard seal.
We are all having a wonderful time, mingling with the crew and expedition staff. We are learning some Italian and Spanish well and even some Russian. Uncle Jamie (staff) and Father Christmas (staff) are two of the most fun guys on the ship along with Snowy (bird watching staff). All the staff are lovely and the food is delicious.
We are having a barbeque tonight on the bow of the ship, and will be pumping beats all over the Southern ocean.
We are all enjoying ourselves and all plan to come back soon. We would quite happily stay here for another six months. Hope all is well, and even though we are having the time of our lives we do miss you guys back home.
See you all soon
Lots of love,
Amber, Laura, Lyn, Mairi and Michelle xxx
PS: MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!!!
Message from and Old Girl (class of 55)
Well, it's certainly different!
The voyage is exhilarating and extremely interesting with abundant wildlife and wonderful scenery. The lectures are excellent, so there is no excuse for ignorance. I cannot always keep my feet or my dinner on the table(this journey is not for the faint-hearted!), but I'm having a wonderful time.
The modern St George's girls are very resilient and nearly as boisterous as I was -excellent company!
The voyage is exhilarating and extremely interesting with abundant wildlife and wonderful scenery. The lectures are excellent, so there is no excuse for ignorance. I cannot always keep my feet or my dinner on the table(this journey is not for the faint-hearted!), but I'm having a wonderful time.
The modern St George's girls are very resilient and nearly as boisterous as I was -excellent company!
A Judicial View
The Hon. Lady Smith writes:
This is a serious business - a ' 2 pipe problem', as Sherlock Holmes would have said. There are several international treaties which require co-operation in the detection and prosecution of criminal activity and I am confident that one of then will swing into action forthwith. I cannot, however, cause that to happen since it is an important aspect of the separation of powers that the court cannot institute prosecution. That principle is as important in the southern hemisphere as it is in the north. Once the matter is brought before the court, however, I have no doubt that the perpetrators will be severely dealt with. Penal servitude of many years on an unremitting diet of only pemmican would be a minimum, to my mind.
This is a serious business - a ' 2 pipe problem', as Sherlock Holmes would have said. There are several international treaties which require co-operation in the detection and prosecution of criminal activity and I am confident that one of then will swing into action forthwith. I cannot, however, cause that to happen since it is an important aspect of the separation of powers that the court cannot institute prosecution. That principle is as important in the southern hemisphere as it is in the north. Once the matter is brought before the court, however, I have no doubt that the perpetrators will be severely dealt with. Penal servitude of many years on an unremitting diet of only pemmican would be a minimum, to my mind.
Mission Control
We are all enjoying the image of a Russian icebreaker flying the St George's School Flag in Antarctic Seas! Congratulations, St George's Antarctic Expedition, on getting so far south and on enduring such an incredible voyage. We are looking forward very much to seeing your photographs and to hearing your amazing accounts of what you have experienced. I cannot imagine how tough those furry seals must be, to enrage you all so much! No doubt you will soon be telling me why. Enjoy your last days in the southern ocean. Here we are approaching the St Giles' Carol Service and Break Up Assembly. We shall be thinking of you all on these great occasions. You must be looking forward to home and family now, though it is clear from your last blog that the second St George's Expedition to Antartica will certainly come about! Love to you all.
St George's School Flag
The St George's flag will be hoisted on the Akademik Shokalskiy tomorrow(Monday) morning at 8.15 and will fly from the ship all day until we land on the Antarctic peninsula.
We will then take it ashore for a photo shot.
We will then take it ashore for a photo shot.
Extreme Weather in Edinburgh
TO: Captain, Mission Control
FROM: Ratho Weather Base
UPDATE: Monday, 17 December 2007. 08-00 UTC.
Thought it was worth an extra weather report, because of the very extreme weather conditions suddenly being experienced by the "Team". This is not the Away Team, but the Home Team!!!! The Away Team is sitting in a balmy minus 0.5 deg C with a 4 knot wind coming from the west and calm seas. They have bright sunshine and clear blue skies.
By comparison Edinburgh is sitting at minus 7 deg C, the coldest place in Britain today. I think that was a polar bear that has just passed my office window!!!!!
Oh to be in a warm Antarctica.
FROM: Ratho Weather Base
UPDATE: Monday, 17 December 2007. 08-00 UTC.
Thought it was worth an extra weather report, because of the very extreme weather conditions suddenly being experienced by the "Team". This is not the Away Team, but the Home Team!!!! The Away Team is sitting in a balmy minus 0.5 deg C with a 4 knot wind coming from the west and calm seas. They have bright sunshine and clear blue skies.
By comparison Edinburgh is sitting at minus 7 deg C, the coldest place in Britain today. I think that was a polar bear that has just passed my office window!!!!!
Oh to be in a warm Antarctica.
George has been found
Sunday 16th December.
We are pleased to report that after offers of a glass of Laphroig and a large bar of chocolate for George himself, the errant bear was mysteriously recovered by a member of the expedition team and handed over, none the worse for his ordeal. No further action will be taken although there is still some debate about which law applies here.
We are significantly behind schedule as we were very slow working our way through the sea ice at the South Orkneys and then hit a head wind of 28 knots as we headed towards Elephant Island and it kept our speed down to a sluggish 8 knots.
The Captain decided to bypass Elephant Island to try and make up some time so we headed for the South Shetlands where we landed at Penguin Island this morning.
It was a rough night but the wind dropped and we had a beautiful morning for a landing. Some stayed by the shore and observed chinstraps, gentoos and adelies while others went for a good walk through the snow and and climbed up the volcano to gain breathtaking views over the bay. It had been some time since our last landing and cabin fever was beginning to set in as folk became grumpy.
The St George's students were of course as resilient as ever and settled down to do some work as the ship tossed about and then they seemed to start a card school! All were relieved to set foot on terra firma for a few hours - and breathe in some fresh air as the sea had been so rough that we hadn't even been able to go out on deck. The idea now is that we get some speed up and head across the Bransfield Strait directly to the Antarctic Peninsula so that we can do several landings tomorrow, the first being at 5.00am.
All in good spirits and send best wishes to everyone at school for the last few days of term with all its celebrations and fun.
We are pleased to report that after offers of a glass of Laphroig and a large bar of chocolate for George himself, the errant bear was mysteriously recovered by a member of the expedition team and handed over, none the worse for his ordeal. No further action will be taken although there is still some debate about which law applies here.
We are significantly behind schedule as we were very slow working our way through the sea ice at the South Orkneys and then hit a head wind of 28 knots as we headed towards Elephant Island and it kept our speed down to a sluggish 8 knots.
The Captain decided to bypass Elephant Island to try and make up some time so we headed for the South Shetlands where we landed at Penguin Island this morning.
It was a rough night but the wind dropped and we had a beautiful morning for a landing. Some stayed by the shore and observed chinstraps, gentoos and adelies while others went for a good walk through the snow and and climbed up the volcano to gain breathtaking views over the bay. It had been some time since our last landing and cabin fever was beginning to set in as folk became grumpy.
The St George's students were of course as resilient as ever and settled down to do some work as the ship tossed about and then they seemed to start a card school! All were relieved to set foot on terra firma for a few hours - and breathe in some fresh air as the sea had been so rough that we hadn't even been able to go out on deck. The idea now is that we get some speed up and head across the Bransfield Strait directly to the Antarctic Peninsula so that we can do several landings tomorrow, the first being at 5.00am.
All in good spirits and send best wishes to everyone at school for the last few days of term with all its celebrations and fun.
Sunday, 16 December 2007
Weather report from Cdr Bailey
TO: Captain, Mission Control
FROM: Ratho Weather Base
UPDATE: Sunday, 16 December 2007
Based on latest update on position, at Elephant Island, and with better input data, I can confirm that the move south is providing the Away Team with much more daylight. Sunrise is now about 2-30 am and sunset at 9-20 pm local time. The ship's time is 3 hours behind Edinburgh. Again, there is sleet and snow in the area and the temperature is 32 deg F (0 deg C), freezing. However, it might be a bit warmer than Edinburgh this morning with its 25 deg F!!!! You can view world daylight at _http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/sunearth.html_ (http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/sunearth.html)
Bit of trivia. The ship recently passed South Orkney. Why was it so named? Favourite reason is that South Orkney is 60 deg. south of the equator whilst Orkney, Scotland, is 60 deg. north.
FROM: Ratho Weather Base
UPDATE: Sunday, 16 December 2007
Based on latest update on position, at Elephant Island, and with better input data, I can confirm that the move south is providing the Away Team with much more daylight. Sunrise is now about 2-30 am and sunset at 9-20 pm local time. The ship's time is 3 hours behind Edinburgh. Again, there is sleet and snow in the area and the temperature is 32 deg F (0 deg C), freezing. However, it might be a bit warmer than Edinburgh this morning with its 25 deg F!!!! You can view world daylight at _http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/sunearth.html_ (http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/sunearth.html)
Bit of trivia. The ship recently passed South Orkney. Why was it so named? Favourite reason is that South Orkney is 60 deg. south of the equator whilst Orkney, Scotland, is 60 deg. north.
Save our Bear
Captain Judith
Had seen this in the blog, but did you have a more detailed report toyour email address? Any ransom demands? Could this be a case ofTOB..........Ted Over Board? If so, the ship should be circulating the last knownposition for the last sighting of George. There is insurance in place, so helicoptersshould be scrambled with immediate effect. Need any help from Ratho?
Had seen this in the blog, but did you have a more detailed report toyour email address? Any ransom demands? Could this be a case ofTOB..........Ted Over Board? If so, the ship should be circulating the last knownposition for the last sighting of George. There is insurance in place, so helicoptersshould be scrambled with immediate effect. Need any help from Ratho?
Incident on Ship
On the evening of Friday 14th December, while the ship's company were all at dinner during a fairly rough crossing from the South Orkneys towards Elephant Island, George went missing. After dinner there was a photograph of George in the common area, with him holding up a sign asking for help. He had obviously been kidnapped. The St George's students were distraught and carried out a thorough investigation but to no avail. George has still not been recovered but a note was received from him today(Saturday) suggesting that he had gone of his own free will because he felt he would be better looked after and would have more freedom to enjoy life if he didn't have to go travelling all the time with the girls. We cannot tell whether he wrote this under duress. However, today, Saturday, the girls have written to him and promised to spoil him a little, pay him more attention and give him a huge bar of chocolate if he comes back to them. Meanwhile the investigation continues as more photographs of George have been mysteriously appearing of him on the bridge, steering the ship, reading the radar screen and looking out for icebergs.
We are confident of recovering him as he has definitely not left the ship - the lifeboats are intact!
Could the Hon Lady Smith advise as to which government or court we can appeal to prosecute the perpetrator of this cruel and dastardly crime, when apprehended.
We are south of 60 degrees and therefore in Antarctica which does not belong to any particular country so whose law applies?
We are confident of recovering him as he has definitely not left the ship - the lifeboats are intact!
Could the Hon Lady Smith advise as to which government or court we can appeal to prosecute the perpetrator of this cruel and dastardly crime, when apprehended.
We are south of 60 degrees and therefore in Antarctica which does not belong to any particular country so whose law applies?
Saturday, 15 December 2007
Mission Control
I am sorry some of our emails are not arriving. You will have to read the blog on your return: it is getting very interesting! However, I have just returned from dinner with Professor Simmons to read the emails headed 'Incident on the Ship'. As I tried to open them AOL crashed and I have been living in fear of a hole in the stern! It is terrible to hear of the kidnapping of George, our much-travelled Bear. Needless to say I have asked the Hon. Lady Smith to advise on the legal position, once you have tracked down the villain responsible for kidnapping him. As you say, you are in Antarctica and this could be a tricky case. I feel certain George is being held under duress: I do not believe that he wants to live an independent life. I suspect a very senior member of the crew. He will have to answer to me. Love to the marvellous Away Team! I hope you received my earlier message today. I am thinking of your arrival at Elephant Island tonight.
Mission Control
Greetings from Mission Control! Here we are immersed in concerts and carol services, but we certainly have not forgotten our fantastic Away Team. As we enjoy the Boarders' Christmas Lunch tomorrow, we hope that the food is still on your plates and that you can sleep in your bunks without danger of falling out! It must be particularly exciting as you enter the final week of your expedition. On the one hand, the Antarctic Peninsula lies ahead in the vastness beyond; on the other, you must be thinking of home, and Christmas, and family and friends. We note from thereport of Commander Bailey at Ratho Weather Base that you are enjoying about the same amount of daylight as us. We are sorry to hear about the snow and sleet, though. Here it has been bright and sunny, which has certainly lifted our spirits. The Lower and Junior School Carol Services have been wonderful, and we are now looking ahead to House Pantomimes on Monday and the great Upper School Carol Service on Tuesday. This year we are having extracts from a medieval mystery play. Enjoy these exciting days! We hope you catch sight of orcas and perhaps even hear their communication. Love to you all from everyone at St George's and Mission Control.
Friday, 14 December 2007
Junior School Update
Dear Explorers,
Did you know..........................................on this day in 1911, Norwegian Roald Amundsen became the first explorer to reach the South Pole. What a privilege for you all to be there, or nearly there, on this special day.
Excitement is reaching fever pitch in Junior School as we approach the countdown to Christmas. Goerge would have been proud of all the Nursery and Pre-school children this week as they presented their Nativity, 'Mary's Knitting.' It was wonderful, with everyone rising to the occasion. The P1 girls had a great time at their party with Roseburn children earlier this week and next Monday and Tuesday we are all looking forward to the P1 and 2 Christmas show. P3-5 Carol Service takes place tomorrow in St Mary's and everyone is in fine voice.
Johnson Smillie send their greetings to you and they are delighted with the Antarctic display in their window. It looks fabulous.
That's all for now
Love from all in Junior School
Did you know..........................................on this day in 1911, Norwegian Roald Amundsen became the first explorer to reach the South Pole. What a privilege for you all to be there, or nearly there, on this special day.
Excitement is reaching fever pitch in Junior School as we approach the countdown to Christmas. Goerge would have been proud of all the Nursery and Pre-school children this week as they presented their Nativity, 'Mary's Knitting.' It was wonderful, with everyone rising to the occasion. The P1 girls had a great time at their party with Roseburn children earlier this week and next Monday and Tuesday we are all looking forward to the P1 and 2 Christmas show. P3-5 Carol Service takes place tomorrow in St Mary's and everyone is in fine voice.
Johnson Smillie send their greetings to you and they are delighted with the Antarctic display in their window. It looks fabulous.
That's all for now
Love from all in Junior School
Antarctica Tourism
"We were revelling in the indescribable freshness of the Antarctic nature, which seemed to permeate us and which has to be the reason for longing to return to the polar regions, which affects each and every explorer who has returned home from there.' Shackleton
But should we be here? Antarctica is the most pristine portion of the Earth, hidden behind walls of stormy, ice-littered waters. Clad in its mantle of cold and darkness, the continent lived out millions of years of isolation. Through the powerful mix of natural forces the land became a challenge to man and the secrets of the great white continent were slowly revealed. Antarctica is no longer as remote as it was and now the challenge is different: how do we prevent the disruption/destruction/development that most of the world has suffered from harming the continent and how can we best manage it for the future. Around 20,000 tourists enjoy Antarctica annually: research brings in an additional 3000 people. Each and every one venturing to Antarctica is a visitor. Defenders of Antarctic tourism point out that in effect it 'democratizes' the continent and makes it accessible to people beyond the scientific and political elite.
Furthermore, Antarctica perhaps more than any other place, has a deep, even spiritual effect on a great many who have been fortunate enough to visit. I challenge anyone to walk in the footsteps of a King penguin and not be deeply moved by their innocence, curiosity and durability. The landscape with its mesmerizing beauty is surely one of nature's cathedrals. Visitors leave and with this experience they return home to increase the constituency of supporters for Antarctica's continued wilderness status. I believe that tourists, a body of enlightened ambassadors, are our best guarantee that this mighty wilderness will endure. But the sheer number of visitors is beginning to have negative effects. Species of non-native grass, presumably carried in on the clothing of visitors and/or scientists, have been found at several sites on the peninsula. Although tourists are largely confined to ships in the Antarctic, the nature of island hopping is such that we act as ideal vehicles for transporting pollen and spores from one place to the next, infecting the natural ecosystems and disturbing the natural balance. Few if any environmental groups advocate a ban on Antarctic tourism and have instead insisted on stringent operating measures. We are boot scrubbed before and after every landing and for South Georgia we also took the extra precaution of having our clothing and bags hoovered. In a few days time some members of our ship will spend a night camping on the peninsula. They cannot leave the ship till 9pm, they cannot eat, drink or toilet onshore and must be back onboard by 5am. Should tourism continue to be regulated in such a strict way then I am sure Antarctica and its beauty will endure.
But I am a biased visitor in admiration of all around me - what do you think?
But should we be here? Antarctica is the most pristine portion of the Earth, hidden behind walls of stormy, ice-littered waters. Clad in its mantle of cold and darkness, the continent lived out millions of years of isolation. Through the powerful mix of natural forces the land became a challenge to man and the secrets of the great white continent were slowly revealed. Antarctica is no longer as remote as it was and now the challenge is different: how do we prevent the disruption/destruction/development that most of the world has suffered from harming the continent and how can we best manage it for the future. Around 20,000 tourists enjoy Antarctica annually: research brings in an additional 3000 people. Each and every one venturing to Antarctica is a visitor. Defenders of Antarctic tourism point out that in effect it 'democratizes' the continent and makes it accessible to people beyond the scientific and political elite.
Furthermore, Antarctica perhaps more than any other place, has a deep, even spiritual effect on a great many who have been fortunate enough to visit. I challenge anyone to walk in the footsteps of a King penguin and not be deeply moved by their innocence, curiosity and durability. The landscape with its mesmerizing beauty is surely one of nature's cathedrals. Visitors leave and with this experience they return home to increase the constituency of supporters for Antarctica's continued wilderness status. I believe that tourists, a body of enlightened ambassadors, are our best guarantee that this mighty wilderness will endure. But the sheer number of visitors is beginning to have negative effects. Species of non-native grass, presumably carried in on the clothing of visitors and/or scientists, have been found at several sites on the peninsula. Although tourists are largely confined to ships in the Antarctic, the nature of island hopping is such that we act as ideal vehicles for transporting pollen and spores from one place to the next, infecting the natural ecosystems and disturbing the natural balance. Few if any environmental groups advocate a ban on Antarctic tourism and have instead insisted on stringent operating measures. We are boot scrubbed before and after every landing and for South Georgia we also took the extra precaution of having our clothing and bags hoovered. In a few days time some members of our ship will spend a night camping on the peninsula. They cannot leave the ship till 9pm, they cannot eat, drink or toilet onshore and must be back onboard by 5am. Should tourism continue to be regulated in such a strict way then I am sure Antarctica and its beauty will endure.
But I am a biased visitor in admiration of all around me - what do you think?
Sea Ice
Friday 14th was a sea day and everyone was quiet after a very rough night when it was a challenge to stay in our bunks. How on earth did Shackleton survive crossing this angry bit of sea in an open boat?!!! It calmed a bit as the day wore on and we learned about ice from the geologist on board and about some of the less famous explorers of this area as well as spotting some whales. We're testing ut our hydrophone as we're hoping to find orca as we get into Antarctica proper.
An early night for all in the hope that the sea might not move quite so much. An early call at 6.00am as we were approaching the South Orkneys and driving into lots of sea ice - a spectacular sight, and now a very different and postitively antarctic landscape with icebergs all around, ice on the water, seals basking on lumps of ice and adelie penguins shooting in and out of the water. Still loads of cape terns and albatross circling the boat too, so plenty to see and photographs to take.
We were hoping to land on the South Orkneys but the captain sailed up and down, trying to find a way throught the ice and couldn't so we cirled for a while and just enjoyed the cruise and the fantastic scenery on a relatively calm sea. After all we didn't want to end up like the Endurance.
We are now heading towards Elephant Island through this surreal sea/landscape and the tossing about on the ocean a couple of nights ago was undoubtedly worthwhile.
An early night for all in the hope that the sea might not move quite so much. An early call at 6.00am as we were approaching the South Orkneys and driving into lots of sea ice - a spectacular sight, and now a very different and postitively antarctic landscape with icebergs all around, ice on the water, seals basking on lumps of ice and adelie penguins shooting in and out of the water. Still loads of cape terns and albatross circling the boat too, so plenty to see and photographs to take.
We were hoping to land on the South Orkneys but the captain sailed up and down, trying to find a way throught the ice and couldn't so we cirled for a while and just enjoyed the cruise and the fantastic scenery on a relatively calm sea. After all we didn't want to end up like the Endurance.
We are now heading towards Elephant Island through this surreal sea/landscape and the tossing about on the ocean a couple of nights ago was undoubtedly worthwhile.
Weather report
To Mission Control
From Ratho Weather Base Update
Friday, 14th December 2007.
Time 08:45 (UTC or GMT)
The ship should now be plying its way from South Georgia towards the island of Signy at a steady 10 knots on a SW heading. The weather in Signy is 48 deg F and is partly cloudy with some sunshine. Snow and sleet are forecast over the next 3 days. Sunrise is 08-36 UTC and sunset 15-27 UTC.
You will note that, even though it is the summer in the southern hemisphere, the amount of daylight at the ship is about the same as that in Edinburgh at the moment.
Rothera, on the Peninsula, has had snow overnight and has a temperature of also 48 deg F. More snow is forecast. Its daylight is from 04-27 UTC through to 16-27 UTC, exactly 12 hours.
The amount of daylight varies significantly over only fairly short distances as you get closer to the South Pole.
Further update early next week before the end of term.
From Ratho Weather Base Update
Friday, 14th December 2007.
Time 08:45 (UTC or GMT)
The ship should now be plying its way from South Georgia towards the island of Signy at a steady 10 knots on a SW heading. The weather in Signy is 48 deg F and is partly cloudy with some sunshine. Snow and sleet are forecast over the next 3 days. Sunrise is 08-36 UTC and sunset 15-27 UTC.
You will note that, even though it is the summer in the southern hemisphere, the amount of daylight at the ship is about the same as that in Edinburgh at the moment.
Rothera, on the Peninsula, has had snow overnight and has a temperature of also 48 deg F. More snow is forecast. Its daylight is from 04-27 UTC through to 16-27 UTC, exactly 12 hours.
The amount of daylight varies significantly over only fairly short distances as you get closer to the South Pole.
Further update early next week before the end of term.
Thursday, 13 December 2007
Mission Control
We are so glad to have news from George. You seem very, very far away, Antarctica Expeditionary Force! It must be incredible to have travelled so far in this vast ocean, exposed to the tremendous power of the waves and so far, now, from habitation. We are thinking of you all very much and we are very proud of you and your courage in facing the challenges of this extraordinary part of our planet and the privations of your life at sea. You will never forget this adventure and we feel part of it all. Much love from everyone at St George's. We are with you all the way!
More news from George
Hi everyone - Here I am in the Southern Ocean with all these seals and penguins. They are the oddest bunch.
We go ashore in big rubber tube like boats called Zodiacs and I love it as we bounce our way over the waves to shore. It's not so much fun when we get back to the ship, if there is what they call a "swell" as the zodiac moves several feet up and down and the gangway to the ship is doing the same, so it's difficult for a small bear to know when to jump. Luckily I made it!
Today I went for a walk in South Georgia at Cooper Bay. It was scary at first because the beach was full of those nasty smelly fur seals which like to chase me, but the expedition team cleared a path for me and my friends so that we could dash across the beach and up the hill. Funny hills here - they are very high and there's lots of snow and ice which comes all the way down to the sea. This hillside was covered in tussock grass and I couldn't see over it so I was really surprised when I bumped into a penguin with a very peculiar hairstyle - yellow bits hanging down either side of his head and very untidy. He also made a loud squawking noise when he saw me, so I thnk he was as surprised as I was. It was quite warm and he shuffled back - that's when I realised that it maybe wasn't a he at all as there was an egg on his feet. Maybe it was a she!
It was quite warm and sunny so it was odd looking out to sea and big white mountains sticking out - they're called icebergs and apparently, although they look huge already, 90% of them is below the sea - I hope our ship finds its way round them.
In the afternoon we didn't get off the ship but sailed up the Drygalski Fjord. It was amazing as there were glaciers on each side and at the end, and from one of the mountains there was a waterfall which was being blown uphill - very strange!
The girls and Mrs Mackie are looking after me well and if I don't get seasick, I'm going to be allowed to watch Happy Feet tonight. First I have to put all my belongings in a safe place so that they don't fly round the cabin as we're heading for open sea and the ship (and this little bear) is going to be tossed about a bit.
Love to all my friends at school. I'm missing you but having such an adventure.
George
We go ashore in big rubber tube like boats called Zodiacs and I love it as we bounce our way over the waves to shore. It's not so much fun when we get back to the ship, if there is what they call a "swell" as the zodiac moves several feet up and down and the gangway to the ship is doing the same, so it's difficult for a small bear to know when to jump. Luckily I made it!
Today I went for a walk in South Georgia at Cooper Bay. It was scary at first because the beach was full of those nasty smelly fur seals which like to chase me, but the expedition team cleared a path for me and my friends so that we could dash across the beach and up the hill. Funny hills here - they are very high and there's lots of snow and ice which comes all the way down to the sea. This hillside was covered in tussock grass and I couldn't see over it so I was really surprised when I bumped into a penguin with a very peculiar hairstyle - yellow bits hanging down either side of his head and very untidy. He also made a loud squawking noise when he saw me, so I thnk he was as surprised as I was. It was quite warm and he shuffled back - that's when I realised that it maybe wasn't a he at all as there was an egg on his feet. Maybe it was a she!
It was quite warm and sunny so it was odd looking out to sea and big white mountains sticking out - they're called icebergs and apparently, although they look huge already, 90% of them is below the sea - I hope our ship finds its way round them.
In the afternoon we didn't get off the ship but sailed up the Drygalski Fjord. It was amazing as there were glaciers on each side and at the end, and from one of the mountains there was a waterfall which was being blown uphill - very strange!
The girls and Mrs Mackie are looking after me well and if I don't get seasick, I'm going to be allowed to watch Happy Feet tonight. First I have to put all my belongings in a safe place so that they don't fly round the cabin as we're heading for open sea and the ship (and this little bear) is going to be tossed about a bit.
Love to all my friends at school. I'm missing you but having such an adventure.
George
To Sophia, Shona and Sophia and all in Lower School.
Thanks for your message and we're glad to have news of school as we are so so far away. I'm glad you're keeping up with our adventures by reading the blog - George has written something today. Good luck with all the fun and festivities at the end of term.
Love from Mrs. Mackie and the St George's Antarctica Team
Thanks for your message and we're glad to have news of school as we are so so far away. I'm glad you're keeping up with our adventures by reading the blog - George has written something today. Good luck with all the fun and festivities at the end of term.
Love from Mrs. Mackie and the St George's Antarctica Team
Even more News from Lower School!
12:12:07
Hi all in Antartica
We hope you are having a great time, we at the Lower School have had a busy time while you have been gone. On the first of December we had a festive fund raiser which raised loads of money. Last Thursday we had Cake and Candy (by the way everything was really nice). Last night (Tuesday) was the Christmas concert. Tomorrow (Thursday) is the Carol Service at St Mary's Cathedral. This Friday coming we are having the Christmas lunch (tasty tasty) then on Saturday the boarders are going to winter wonderland and the German market. We all can't wait until the last day of school and Christmas. Last Wednesday P6's had The Wizard of Oz Drama workshop, they all enjoyed it so much. After the drama work shop they went to see the play itself.
From All of the Lower School.
Hi all in Antartica
We hope you are having a great time, we at the Lower School have had a busy time while you have been gone. On the first of December we had a festive fund raiser which raised loads of money. Last Thursday we had Cake and Candy (by the way everything was really nice). Last night (Tuesday) was the Christmas concert. Tomorrow (Thursday) is the Carol Service at St Mary's Cathedral. This Friday coming we are having the Christmas lunch (tasty tasty) then on Saturday the boarders are going to winter wonderland and the German market. We all can't wait until the last day of school and Christmas. Last Wednesday P6's had The Wizard of Oz Drama workshop, they all enjoyed it so much. After the drama work shop they went to see the play itself.
From All of the Lower School.
More news from Lower School
Hi everyone in South Georgia
Hope all of you are having a great time. Here at St George’s Lower School we have been up to loads.
Last Thursday all of Lower School had an event called Cake and Candy. All Lower Fours made cakes and sweets and then all Lower School bought loads of treats.
Coming up on Monday is the Lower School fashion show, the fashion show is organised by Lower Four house captains.
Wednesday is the last day of school and we are all having a fun day. All of Lower School is very excited, we will be playing games and watching videos and having loads of fun.
Tomorrow we are going to St Mary’s for a rehearsal for our Christmas Concert, then at 6:30 we are going to St Mary’s for the real concert.
The boarders are going to Winter Wonderland. Winter Wonderland has a big wheel and an ice rink. The boarders are also going to a German Market. This Friday we are having a yummy traditional Christmas Lunch.
Last Saturday we had a festive fundraiser, this involved early Christmas shopping and people could get there face and nails painted.
Last Wednesday the P6’s had a drama workshop about the Wizard of Oz. First they do some exercises to warm up their bodies, then they did an exercise called Rubber Chicken which was a dance exercise in the end. We created a great drama.
This Monday we had a French cooking competition the categories were tastiest, prettiest and best presented, in L4P Sophia won for the prettiest and best presented and Shona won for the best tasting. We all had great fun.
Hope you all have a great Christmas Holiday and a Happy New Year
From everyone at Lower School
Hope all of you are having a great time. Here at St George’s Lower School we have been up to loads.
Last Thursday all of Lower School had an event called Cake and Candy. All Lower Fours made cakes and sweets and then all Lower School bought loads of treats.
Coming up on Monday is the Lower School fashion show, the fashion show is organised by Lower Four house captains.
Wednesday is the last day of school and we are all having a fun day. All of Lower School is very excited, we will be playing games and watching videos and having loads of fun.
Tomorrow we are going to St Mary’s for a rehearsal for our Christmas Concert, then at 6:30 we are going to St Mary’s for the real concert.
The boarders are going to Winter Wonderland. Winter Wonderland has a big wheel and an ice rink. The boarders are also going to a German Market. This Friday we are having a yummy traditional Christmas Lunch.
Last Saturday we had a festive fundraiser, this involved early Christmas shopping and people could get there face and nails painted.
Last Wednesday the P6’s had a drama workshop about the Wizard of Oz. First they do some exercises to warm up their bodies, then they did an exercise called Rubber Chicken which was a dance exercise in the end. We created a great drama.
This Monday we had a French cooking competition the categories were tastiest, prettiest and best presented, in L4P Sophia won for the prettiest and best presented and Shona won for the best tasting. We all had great fun.
Hope you all have a great Christmas Holiday and a Happy New Year
From everyone at Lower School
Wednesday, 12 December 2007
Hello from Lower School
Hi everyone in Antarctica
How is everyone? We have heard that you are all having fun and have been very busy. We have been very busy too, we have had cake and candy to earn money for lower school, Christmas Concert, P6 went to the Lyceum to watchthe Wizard of Oz , Festive fundraiser and lots more. We have the Carol Service, Christmas lunch, house fashion show and a fun day to look forward to. We all can't wait until the end of the term. We have been very busy with Christmas competion and putting up our Christmas trees in the school. Everyone is talking about what we are getting on Christmas, where we are going for Christmas and what we are doing in the holidays. Some people have already left for their holidays.
We loved looking and tasting all the different cakes at the cake and candy. It was based on Christmas and it was a competition and a girl in L4P came first. Her cake was a 3D snowman it was amazing and so tasty. She did a very good job.
We have heard loads about your time in Antarctica and we would love to hear more about what's going on and what things you have seen.
We all hope you come back safe and sound and tell us all about it. See you after the holidays.
Merry Christmas!
p.s Happy Birthday Amber.
How is everyone? We have heard that you are all having fun and have been very busy. We have been very busy too, we have had cake and candy to earn money for lower school, Christmas Concert, P6 went to the Lyceum to watchthe Wizard of Oz , Festive fundraiser and lots more. We have the Carol Service, Christmas lunch, house fashion show and a fun day to look forward to. We all can't wait until the end of the term. We have been very busy with Christmas competion and putting up our Christmas trees in the school. Everyone is talking about what we are getting on Christmas, where we are going for Christmas and what we are doing in the holidays. Some people have already left for their holidays.
We loved looking and tasting all the different cakes at the cake and candy. It was based on Christmas and it was a competition and a girl in L4P came first. Her cake was a 3D snowman it was amazing and so tasty. She did a very good job.
We have heard loads about your time in Antarctica and we would love to hear more about what's going on and what things you have seen.
We all hope you come back safe and sound and tell us all about it. See you after the holidays.
Merry Christmas!
p.s Happy Birthday Amber.
Tuesday 11 December
"Good morning" sounds on the intercom at 5.00am, the dulcet tones of Brandon, our Canadian expedition leader, telling us the weather is good and we can make an early landing before breakfast. We get togged up in all the gear and land for a couple of hours at St Andrew's Bay, overrun with King Penguins and very few fur seals - amazing!
We were lucky with the weather as it stayed fine although there was a big swell and negotiating the jump from the zodiac back to the floating gangway on the ship proved a challenge.
A quiet morning gave us the opportunity to hear Snowy talk about his work when he spent 15 months in Antarctica on a research station - some stunning photographs too. The wind got up so we couldn't do a planned zodiac cruise along the coast but we found shelter in Gold Harbour and were able to land again - penguins galore with an imposing backdrop of hanging glaciers and vertical cliffs.
Another morning in South Georgia tomorrow and then we head for Antarctica itself! Wow!!!!
"Good morning" sounds on the intercom at 5.00am, the dulcet tones of Brandon, our Canadian expedition leader, telling us the weather is good and we can make an early landing before breakfast. We get togged up in all the gear and land for a couple of hours at St Andrew's Bay, overrun with King Penguins and very few fur seals - amazing!
We were lucky with the weather as it stayed fine although there was a big swell and negotiating the jump from the zodiac back to the floating gangway on the ship proved a challenge.
A quiet morning gave us the opportunity to hear Snowy talk about his work when he spent 15 months in Antarctica on a research station - some stunning photographs too. The wind got up so we couldn't do a planned zodiac cruise along the coast but we found shelter in Gold Harbour and were able to land again - penguins galore with an imposing backdrop of hanging glaciers and vertical cliffs.
Another morning in South Georgia tomorrow and then we head for Antarctica itself! Wow!!!!
Mission Control
Here at Mission Control we have had a amazing Christmas Concert, with participants from every part of St George's and a packed audience! The weather is cold and sunny, with no Christmas snow (let alone icebergs). We are sorry that the furry seals are so difficult: we had hoped that St George's students would be able to quell them with one icy glare. We love the masses of penguins you are encountering! It will be January before we see your pictures: you must take plenty of them. Love from everyone at Mission Control.
Ratho Base
Commander Bailey at our Ratho Base has been appointed meteorologist to Mission Control. He has let us know we can check on the weather for the Antarctic Peninsula by consulting the following site:
http://www.qwikcast.com/cgi-bin/regionstate.cgi?cregion=AQ&dtype=obs
and a web cam site of Rothera, a BAS base on the peninsula, possibly slightly further south than the Away Team will reach, but still close;
http://www.antarctica.ac.uk/images/webcams/rothera/index.php
Thank you, Commander Bailey! As the Away Team has now left South Georgia and is approaching the Antarctic Peninsula, it will be very helpful for us to see the conditions they are facing.
http://www.qwikcast.com/cgi-bin/regionstate.cgi?cregion=AQ&dtype=obs
and a web cam site of Rothera, a BAS base on the peninsula, possibly slightly further south than the Away Team will reach, but still close;
http://www.antarctica.ac.uk/images/webcams/rothera/index.php
Thank you, Commander Bailey! As the Away Team has now left South Georgia and is approaching the Antarctic Peninsula, it will be very helpful for us to see the conditions they are facing.
Monday, 10 December 2007
Mission Control
It has been wonderful to receive the exciting messages from members of the St George's expedition, describing their personal experiences and reactions. Please give the Away Team love from everyone at St George's. Here at Mission Control we so admire your stoical reaction to sea sickness and all the challenges of your famous journey! It was amazing to imagine you all at the grave of Shackleton. Good luck for the next phase.
Amber's Dad to Mission Control
Captain: just to update you on Amber's Birthday day. I called the ship this morning at 10-50 UK time, 07-50 on board the ship, to find everyone was already off the ship and on South Georgia doing their explorations. Understand everyone was mustered at 05-00 for an early morning briefing with Mission Control and had then used the time to make an early start. Phoned back an hour later and spoke to an Aberdonian crew member who tannoyed around the ship, "Amber Bailey to the bridge, Amber, telephone call." Amber was very surprised and wanted to know how I'd got through to the ship. The wonders of modern technology. Just like phoning someone in the next street. Weather is fine and they are all having a great time. A few have been sea sick, but Amber had missed out on this experience. Good news. They are mixing it with penguins who are all very inquisitive, but the seals chase them away. Lots of photos and video being taken. The cutest penguin has been christened Jade. Sounds like a once in a life time experience. School trips were never like this when I was 15! from Richard Bailey
News from our students
Here we are in South Georgia, about to land at Salisbury plain in the Bay of Isles where 250,000 breeding pairs of penguins are to be found.
Lyn
South Georgia is Amazing!! We went to Grytviken and gathered at Shackelton's grave and toasted him as a great leader of men! He travelled 800 miles across the southern ocean in terrible seas. He then walked across a glacier in South Georgia to get help to save his men. It's an incredible story.
Michelle
In South Georgia we got out of the rubber zodiac and stepped out amongst the penguins and elephant seals. We've seen loads of stuff - different kinds of mammals and all sorts of birds including the famous Wandering Albatross. We saw masses on the way down here as we dodged icebergs- they’re amazing too- so huge and bluey white like massive sculptures rising out of the sea
Laura
It's great getting to do loads of landings and it's a huge privilege to b here but it is a very fragile environment. To protect it, we get hoovered - yes, our jackets, and rucksacks get vacuum cleaned to remove pollen and spores and our boots are dipped in a chemical bath- We have to take so much care to avoid bringing any alien species to such a special and unique environment.
Amber
Life on the ship is quite an experience too - always busy because, even on days when we are at sea all day there are lectures and briefings on all sorts of things to do with Antarctica. Living is comfortable but quite confined and when it is quite rough we have to hang onto our cutlery, plates and even our dinner - drinks sometimes bounce off the table but it's all good fun and we've even made some Christmas decorations for the ship. ( it's my birthday !!!)
Mairi
We unanimously agree that this trip is far more than we expected. As a group of students we've gotten on so well, and everything is spectacular. We spotted so much wildlife; on the first day at sea we saw our first whale, we've seen elephant seals, and countless penguins; I did not believe we'd see so much in such little time. The ship is great and we've grown used to our compact rooms and life at sea. So far the weather has been lovely, warmer than we'd all thought it would be. This trip is such an experience, a really once-in a lifetime opportunity, and as it has made such a big impact on our lives already that we wish to return one day soon.
Lyn
South Georgia is Amazing!! We went to Grytviken and gathered at Shackelton's grave and toasted him as a great leader of men! He travelled 800 miles across the southern ocean in terrible seas. He then walked across a glacier in South Georgia to get help to save his men. It's an incredible story.
Michelle
In South Georgia we got out of the rubber zodiac and stepped out amongst the penguins and elephant seals. We've seen loads of stuff - different kinds of mammals and all sorts of birds including the famous Wandering Albatross. We saw masses on the way down here as we dodged icebergs- they’re amazing too- so huge and bluey white like massive sculptures rising out of the sea
Laura
It's great getting to do loads of landings and it's a huge privilege to b here but it is a very fragile environment. To protect it, we get hoovered - yes, our jackets, and rucksacks get vacuum cleaned to remove pollen and spores and our boots are dipped in a chemical bath- We have to take so much care to avoid bringing any alien species to such a special and unique environment.
Amber
Life on the ship is quite an experience too - always busy because, even on days when we are at sea all day there are lectures and briefings on all sorts of things to do with Antarctica. Living is comfortable but quite confined and when it is quite rough we have to hang onto our cutlery, plates and even our dinner - drinks sometimes bounce off the table but it's all good fun and we've even made some Christmas decorations for the ship. ( it's my birthday !!!)
Mairi
We unanimously agree that this trip is far more than we expected. As a group of students we've gotten on so well, and everything is spectacular. We spotted so much wildlife; on the first day at sea we saw our first whale, we've seen elephant seals, and countless penguins; I did not believe we'd see so much in such little time. The ship is great and we've grown used to our compact rooms and life at sea. So far the weather has been lovely, warmer than we'd all thought it would be. This trip is such an experience, a really once-in a lifetime opportunity, and as it has made such a big impact on our lives already that we wish to return one day soon.
Hello to the Junior School
Hi to the junior school,
I'm writing this as we approach South Georgia and look out on glaciers and snowfields as we try to make out Shackleton's grave. We've had quite a rough 2 days at sea coming from the Falklands to here. The first day was pleasant and calm with sightings of many birds, the magnificent wandering albatross as well as petrels and prions, and fur seals and penguins bobbing about in the water too.
Yesterday it got much rougher and the ship was tilting 20 degrees so it was difficult to move about and to keep your food on the plate and the plate on the table at dinner time.
Anyway - your questions: it's just above freezing so we're wearing a bvest, base layer, thin fleece and fleece lined waterproof jacket with warm trousers and waterproof trousers and wellies, hat and gloves. We all look quite fat, even me!
We haven't had enough snow to build an igloo yet but we are approaching it now. We're eating a lot of fish and the food is very good, although sometimes our stomachs are a bit wobbly.
The girls entertained themselves on the sea days by doing some work and making Christmas decorations out of cans and bits of paper lying about the ship. They did a good job.
George sends his love and is enjoying this amazing adventure.
The Antarctica expedition team.
I'm writing this as we approach South Georgia and look out on glaciers and snowfields as we try to make out Shackleton's grave. We've had quite a rough 2 days at sea coming from the Falklands to here. The first day was pleasant and calm with sightings of many birds, the magnificent wandering albatross as well as petrels and prions, and fur seals and penguins bobbing about in the water too.
Yesterday it got much rougher and the ship was tilting 20 degrees so it was difficult to move about and to keep your food on the plate and the plate on the table at dinner time.
Anyway - your questions: it's just above freezing so we're wearing a bvest, base layer, thin fleece and fleece lined waterproof jacket with warm trousers and waterproof trousers and wellies, hat and gloves. We all look quite fat, even me!
We haven't had enough snow to build an igloo yet but we are approaching it now. We're eating a lot of fish and the food is very good, although sometimes our stomachs are a bit wobbly.
The girls entertained themselves on the sea days by doing some work and making Christmas decorations out of cans and bits of paper lying about the ship. They did a good job.
George sends his love and is enjoying this amazing adventure.
The Antarctica expedition team.
Mission Control
Mission Control has just communicated by phone with the Commander in the Field! It was amazing to hear Helen's voice and her excitement at the amazing adventure. We were unable to relay the conversation to Assembly as we hoped because of connection difficulties, but I was able to update the Upper School on the present state of the expedition. The zodiacs are now ready for the landing on South Georgia!
Sunday, 9 December 2007
Towards South Georgia
After leaving the Falklands we have spent the last 2 days at sea. The first was pleasant and calm and we enjoyed watching prions, petrels and albatross, even the great wandering albatross following the ship. It was a quiet day so the girls got on with some work and then decided to make Christmas decorations for the ship from bits and pieces lying around. We awoke to a much wilder sea on Saturday and most people lay low as the wind howled and the ship lurched about on the ocean. However there was great excitement when we saw our first iceberg, a huge looming blue/white mass, beautifully sculpted by the wind and weather. They are all given names in alphabetical order so we spotted more in the course of the afternoon and there were cries of delight when iceberg Judith was identified. There was a navigation challenge as we wove our way through Shag Rocks, two precipitous lumps of rock rising straight out of the sea and inhabited by colonies of shags, but they were also surrounded by three icebergs. It was interesting to see how you could tell their exact position from the radar screen. We all went to a great lecture on Shackleton in preparation for our landing at South Georgia, then lay low as the ship tossed about. It was too rough to make our first landing on south Georgia so we went straight to Grytviken and at 8.30am. it was calm, blue sky and sunshine and we have just had the most perfect and wondrous day. We spent the morning at Grytviken and were greeted by king penguins and elephant seals. We gathered in the cemetery and toasted Shackleton by his graveside - in rum, so much spluttering amongst the girls who were allowed to taste but declined with dignity. There is a beautiful church and wee museum in this former whaling station with its wrecked and sunken boats and whaling sheds. After a fantastic morning we couldn't believe our luck that the weather continued to be perfect and after about an hour of sailing and lunch we took to the zodiacs again and landed at Jason Harbour - more penguins, kings and gentoos who wanted to walk with us and hoards of warring fur seals as well as elephant seals. George enjoyed getting amongst the king penguins and making some friends. After a couple of hours on the beaches and at the foot of the mountains, we had a little cruise round the bay and got close to some of the smaller icebergs. The weather is still beautiful, although a wind has got up, so dinner this evening is a barbecue on deck - can't wait!
Greetings to all our friends from the Southern Ocean,
Greetings to all our friends from the Southern Ocean,
Mission Control
I have had another bulletin from Commander in the Field, Helen Mackie! The Shokalskiy is lurching from side to side in high seas, dodging the most magnificent icebergs. Dinner is slipping from the plates. It is a great adventure! Today the expedition should be landing in South Georgia. Tomorrow morning, at Upper School Assembly, Commander Mackie will attempt contact by satellite phone with Mission Control at 8.55 am, and our conversation will be relayed into the Hall.
Saturday, 8 December 2007
Happy Birthday, Amber!
Happy Birthday to Amber Bailey on Monday from her family and friends and from everyone at Mission Control at St George's! It is incredible that you will be celebrating in the Southern Ocean, Amber. We look forward to hearing all the details of the day. Much love to you and to your intrepid companions.
Friday, 7 December 2007
Message from George
Dear Early Years children,I am sailing in the southern ocean with some of the big girls. We are very excited because we have been amongst penguins already - you know, the rockhopper ones Mrs Mackie told you about who hop and jump about. I liked them very much and they were very friendly.
I have a cabin on the ship and sometimes it is quite wobbly as there are big waves which make the ship wobble. There are huge birds following the ship - they are called albatross and have wings much wider than even Mrs Stewart with both arms stretched right out.
We're looking out to sea to spot whales and dolphins now and soon we'll arrive in South Georgia, a big island with glaciers, and maybe even icebergs - so I hope I'm going to meet more penguins, and all sorts of diferent ones.
It's sooooooooo exciting!
love
George
I have a cabin on the ship and sometimes it is quite wobbly as there are big waves which make the ship wobble. There are huge birds following the ship - they are called albatross and have wings much wider than even Mrs Stewart with both arms stretched right out.
We're looking out to sea to spot whales and dolphins now and soon we'll arrive in South Georgia, a big island with glaciers, and maybe even icebergs - so I hope I'm going to meet more penguins, and all sorts of diferent ones.
It's sooooooooo exciting!
love
George
Falklands Weather
The weather on Wednesday was Winds 25mph gusting 35 from the SW. Thunderstorms with hail and Snow in the area with a temperature of +7C. Otherwise a nice summer's afternoon in the South Atlantic!
Hello from all the girls in Primary 1
Hello Mrs Mackie and the girls on your trip. We have thought of some more questions for you.
How many penguins have you seen?
Are you cold?
Is George having an exciting time?
We have been to the Singing Kettle this week and are very excited about Christmas.
Merry Christmas and enjoy your visit.
Love from Primary 1
How many penguins have you seen?
Are you cold?
Is George having an exciting time?
We have been to the Singing Kettle this week and are very excited about Christmas.
Merry Christmas and enjoy your visit.
Love from Primary 1
Greetings from Junior School
We enjoyed hearing all about your adventures so far in Assembly. We wish we could all be there to see the rockhopper penguins for ourselves! We think you must almost look as comical as penguins yourselves in your rubber boots and yellow fleeces. What must the penguins think of you!!!!!!
This morning, some Nursery and P6 girls alongwith Roseburn Nursery, went down to Johnson Smillie to decorate their office window and now it is adorned with animals and birds from Antarctica.
Here are some questions we would like to ask you:
How many layers are you wearing to keep out the cold? Is it very cold?
Have you seen any unusual animals?
Are there any plants?
Have you made an igloo?
Are you eating lots of fish?
We also wanted to know if you had met any other people but you have answered that telling us about Carcass Island and Coffin Bay.
Stay safe and well and look after George. Bring back lots of photos and memories to share.
Love from all in Junior School
This morning, some Nursery and P6 girls alongwith Roseburn Nursery, went down to Johnson Smillie to decorate their office window and now it is adorned with animals and birds from Antarctica.
Here are some questions we would like to ask you:
How many layers are you wearing to keep out the cold? Is it very cold?
Have you seen any unusual animals?
Are there any plants?
Have you made an igloo?
Are you eating lots of fish?
We also wanted to know if you had met any other people but you have answered that telling us about Carcass Island and Coffin Bay.
Stay safe and well and look after George. Bring back lots of photos and memories to share.
Love from all in Junior School
Mission Control
It is fantastic to hear from you with news of the Away Team! I know Anne will get your message onto the blog as soon as she can. I shall read it out at Assembly this morning! What amazing things you have done already. There are penguins everywhere in school but only of the two-dimensional kind, so it will be wonderful for everyone to hear of your encounters with real ones. Congratulations on surviving the high swell, especially to the student members of the expedition who are obviously very impressive indeed! I hope you are taking lots of pictures, because the images in my mind of your embarking onto zodiacs and landing on islands are incredible. Trust St George's to find home-baking even on the Falklands! Here all is active as we move towards the end of term. 'The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie' is hugely acclaimed: you will all want to see the DVD. We shall look forward to your podcast next Monday, if you can manage that!
Very much love to everyone, Judith
Very much love to everyone, Judith
Thursday, 6 December 2007
News from the Southern Ocean
After acclimatising in Ushuaia, we boarded ship at 5.00pm on Dec.3rd and set sail up the Beagle Channel towards the Southern Ocean. There was great excitement as we found our way round the ship and met the illustrious team of lecturers, historian, geologist, meteorologist and ornithologist who will ensure that we get the most out of this amazing trip. We also met the Captain and some of the Russian crew and the ship's doctor, so we are confident that we're in safe hands for the next couple of weeks.
After this auspicious beginning we met our first challenge in that our first night on board had us bouncing about as the ship rolled on a high swell. we were not at our best for breakfast and it took some longer than others to find their sea legs. The girls' constitutions proved the strongest. Our first day at sea was fairly quiet as we adjusted to ship life and headed for the Falklands - however we did see petrels, albatrosses, a whale and the odd dolphin, so there was plenty to keep us on deck with our binoculars.
By today, the second morning, the whole team was in good form and ready for our first landing in the zodiacs. We anchored off Coffin Bay in New Island in the Falklands and sped to shore in our rubber zodiacs. Togged up in issued rubber boots, bright yellow fleece lined waterproofs, hats and gloves we moved like penguins but soon were among a vast colony of rockhopper penguins and an albatross breeding ground - an amazing spectacle of birds and penguins as far as you could see. The owner of the small island which has a population of 8 families, was astounded to greet a school party, the first ever to visit the island, and was pleased to meet George too.
Back on board for a delicious lunch - the food is really good - then off on the zodiacs again, this time to Carcass Island where the inhabitants welcomed us with a farmhouse table groaning with home made cakes. The St. George's students did us proud as they tucked in with gusto. Then, in drizzle and dull but not freezing weather we wandered amongst gentoo and magellanic penguins on the beach and took hundreds of photographs as they were so friendly. George is really bonding with penguins and with all the other passengers on the ship.
Tomorrow it's Port Stanley and more penguins and birds before setting out on our 2 day crossing to South Georgia. The hydrophone will then come into play as we expect to find orca around South Georgia. It is all so vast and amazing - how did Shackleton do it?
Girls, staff and in fact all party members are very well and almost overawed already by the enormity of this experience. The girls send their love to friends and family, as do we all in hoping that you are sharing in our excitement and adventure.
Thanks again to everyone back home for your support and enthusiasm. We'll blog again in a couple of days, and may even attempt a podcast.
After this auspicious beginning we met our first challenge in that our first night on board had us bouncing about as the ship rolled on a high swell. we were not at our best for breakfast and it took some longer than others to find their sea legs. The girls' constitutions proved the strongest. Our first day at sea was fairly quiet as we adjusted to ship life and headed for the Falklands - however we did see petrels, albatrosses, a whale and the odd dolphin, so there was plenty to keep us on deck with our binoculars.
By today, the second morning, the whole team was in good form and ready for our first landing in the zodiacs. We anchored off Coffin Bay in New Island in the Falklands and sped to shore in our rubber zodiacs. Togged up in issued rubber boots, bright yellow fleece lined waterproofs, hats and gloves we moved like penguins but soon were among a vast colony of rockhopper penguins and an albatross breeding ground - an amazing spectacle of birds and penguins as far as you could see. The owner of the small island which has a population of 8 families, was astounded to greet a school party, the first ever to visit the island, and was pleased to meet George too.
Back on board for a delicious lunch - the food is really good - then off on the zodiacs again, this time to Carcass Island where the inhabitants welcomed us with a farmhouse table groaning with home made cakes. The St. George's students did us proud as they tucked in with gusto. Then, in drizzle and dull but not freezing weather we wandered amongst gentoo and magellanic penguins on the beach and took hundreds of photographs as they were so friendly. George is really bonding with penguins and with all the other passengers on the ship.
Tomorrow it's Port Stanley and more penguins and birds before setting out on our 2 day crossing to South Georgia. The hydrophone will then come into play as we expect to find orca around South Georgia. It is all so vast and amazing - how did Shackleton do it?
Girls, staff and in fact all party members are very well and almost overawed already by the enormity of this experience. The girls send their love to friends and family, as do we all in hoping that you are sharing in our excitement and adventure.
Thanks again to everyone back home for your support and enthusiasm. We'll blog again in a couple of days, and may even attempt a podcast.
Wednesday, 5 December 2007
Mission Control
We are imagining you on the high seas, Away Team! It will be wonderful when you are able to make contact and we can see the far side of the world through your eyes. It must be very exciting indeed. Life has its excitements here too, from the preparation for the Nursery Nativity to the first night of 'The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie!'. We shall all have a great deal to catch up on in the New Year. But meanwhile, your adventures are under way!
Shackleton's Students
Hello Antarctic explorers! U4Y have started to learn about Antarctica and so are keen to chart your adventure. We hope that the Southern Ocean is not too fierce for you Miss Mulvey! As you approach land we would like to know what the weather is like and what you can see. What does the area sound like and have you made friends with the local resident penguins yet?
Tuesday, 4 December 2007
Mission Control
We have been thinking of you today, members of the St George's Antarctic Expedition 2007! We hope you have now embarked safely onto your ice-breaker and that you are comfortable. It is good to think you may be making friends with your fellow explorers from the Royal Geographical Society, and perhaps beginning to hear more from the experts on board about what is in store. Once your have established connections, we look forward very much to hearing from you!
Hello from Junior School
Having great fun using this Blog. We are preparing some questions to ask you about your adventure, so watch this space. Each class in Junior School will be back in touch very soon. Hope George is keeping safe and warm. Love to all from Junior School girls
Monday, 3 December 2007
Mission Control
Thank you for the poetic vision of your flight and arrival, Away Team! We wish you a smooth embarkation on your ice-breaker. Everyone in the Junior School sends special love to George!
Greetings from the edge of the earth!
George is happy to announce that he and his travelling companions have safely reached the end of the world. After a mammoth 30 hours flying time which covered the tropical climates of Buenos Aires we eventually poked our noses out of the clouds to see the magnificent Ushuaia beneath. A good nights sleep has revealed a land with a savage beauty and snow capped peaks. The glowering grey of an infinite sea holds promise of a great adventure as we sail off into the great unknown.
Saturday, 1 December 2007
Mission Control
As I write the members of St George's Antarctica Expedition 2007 are checking in at Edinburgh Airport on the first leg of their historic expedition. As I am an ardent Trekkie at heart, I see myself as Captain Kirk, with Helen Mackie as Commander of the Away Team! Good luck, everyone. You are following in the icy footsteps of Captain Robert Falcon Scott, who was commissioned by the Royal Geographical Society when he set off on his first Antarctic Expedition in 1901. His ship, the Discovery, was a former whaler. You will be embarking on an ice-breaker, the Akademik Shokalskiy, on Monday, sharing it with the Royal Geographical Society. The links continue: Scott's wife, the sculptress Kathleen Bruce, was a St George's student! Their son was the naturalist Peter Scott, and you will be following his interests too as you enjoy your sightings of penguins and you identify orcas and listen to their communication through your hydrophone. However, you have your flight to Paris first, following by the long flight to Buenos Aires tonight. Here at Mission Control we are rooting for you! Good luck, Commander Mackie and the St George's Away Team as you get closer to Antarctica!
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