Story: Sailing in the wake of polar explorers to the Ross Sea Antarctica.
After my trip to the Antarctic peninsula I became enthralled by the stories of Amundsen, Scott, and Shackleton’s Ross Sea Party. I started reading the books and decided I wanted to visit the Ross Sea, to see the historic huts where they stayed. I booked a trip with two weeks of returning. This is that trip, three weeks aboard Le Soléal.
21 January 2025 – 16 February 2025
I ask for a late checkout. I’m granted until 1100, after which it will be 35$NZ to stay until noon. I don’t ask how much it will be if I stay later.
It’s our first full day at sea. I’ve felt worse but I’ve also felt better. Last night I took a pill and decide to wait until lunch to take another. We’ll see how it goes.
I wake to the sounds of zodiacs being lowered into the water; gears wind, ropes slap the sides of the ship. It’s grey and overcast, the glass door wet from the passage if not from the rain.
By morning we’ve reached 54°35.48'S. We’re south of Cambpell Island and almost in line with Macquarie Island (though far to the east of it).
We’ve reached 70°24.32' S and are continuing south. The sunrise at our present position is at 03:14; the sunset will be at 23:57. Soon, the sun will cease to set.
To be continued…
Scott’s Hut, Shackleton’s Hut, a walk on the sea ice, Cape Bird, and king penguin encounters to come!