13th November, South Georgia about 110 miles distant, we expect to
arrive around 7am in the morning, force 8-9 winds all afternoon have
abated somewhat, ship rolling to about 40 degrees, outside temperature 4
degrees C, was under 2 earlier with sleet falling.
Too dangerous to go outside on deck, spent about 45 minutes earlier
photographing spray from the large waves and some Albatrosses & Petrel’s
one of the West Cork lads spotted a fin whale earlier, another a seal.

Everybody is in good form, one or two got seasick in the past few days,
other than that, no problems. Film production crew have been involved
all day with the 8 students making a documentary to be shown on Irish
and possibly South African television, the students are involved with
the science team conducting experiments regarding waste management,
outside temperature along with other topics, an experiment comparing the
UV protection offered by expensive and cheap sunglasses held by all the
expedition members is being prepared.

The team of 13 Irish and 3 guides led by Pat Falvey are prepared for the
traverse of South Georgia which is expected to begin some time in the
morning, this is following in the footsteps of 2 Irishmen, Ernest
Shakleton and Tom Crean who in 1914 set out on an epic journey to rescue
the Endurance ship’s crew marooned in Elephant island 800 miles distant
after their explorer ship was crushed by pack ice in the Antarctic, the
journey by sailing/rowing boats took 17 days in atrocious weather
conditions, when they eventually reached south Georgia they had to land
at the wrong side of the island due to severe storms, they then had to
trek about 33 miles over unchartered mountains and glaciers before
finally arriving at Stromness 36 hours later