Nice weather for ships

Last week's gales seem to have smashed up the sea ice, making life loads easier for our ships. Every noon the captains send their positions. Here's where they were today.


The Ships: Red=Sea Ice. Blue = Antarctica

Polarstern plowed through easily and looks to have arrived at Neumayer. The Shackleton was briefly held up by heavy seas, but entered the ice in calmer conditions yesterday and is making good speed. Halley is further west than Neumayer, roughly where the E of Amderma is on the map.

The tractor boys are down at the edge of the iceshelf, smoothing the ramp ready to unload cargo. Back on base, we've emptied rooms, tidied offices and are back to the familiar Antarctic routine of waiting...