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.
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