Holidays

Monday morning will see the departure of the outgoing team.  Over the last few weeks, we have become very close; so to loose them will be hard.  On the positive side, it will relieve the base somewhat and give us some more space.  In addition, for most, particularly the ones who have wintered twice now, the time is apparently right, although emotions are irrevocably mixed.

Returning to KEP in the sunshine.

Now that all duties are being dealt with by us and the "handover" is officially complete, the outgoing wintering staff have some time to enjoy themselves a little.  Holidays away from base are a great opportunity to see a bit more of SG, and make the most of their last weeks on the island.  At the beginning of this week, they all got together to go on a camping trip to the Barff Peninsular.  The barff forms the Eastern most landmass segregating Cumberland Bay East from the ferocious Southern Ocean.  It is only accessible (bar a week or so's walk) via boat, so enter the boating officers, and their trainee crews!  It was a lovely sunny, crisp morning that we launched the Rib and cast the jet launches lines and headed for the bay.  The weather was perfect, although to the east end there was a reasonable swell signifying offshore gales out into the Ocean.  The party was dropped at Corale bay.  The beach there is good for landing the Ribs as it is fairly steep and soft, although at this time of year the north end is getting a bit "furry" (populated by Antarctic  Fur Seals - watch this space for more on these!) which makes landing potentially hazardous.  The team where ready with there bodgers just in case.  Heres some photos of the trip...