We were up at 5.30 to prepare to land on Brown Bluff which is an ice-capped
extinct volcano on the Peninsula’s north-eastern tip. When we landed we were
greeted by thousands of Adelie Penguins. They walked around oblivious to us
and displayed great personality as they strutted around the Peninsula. There
is a notably difference in the temperature as we move more towards the
Antarctic. Last night was the first time the temperature went down to -1.8
degree Celsius. We returned to the ship at 8am for breakfast and then
boarded the Zodiacs for Esperanza. Argentina built Esperanza station in 1951
and today the station accommodates up to sixty people. Most of Esperanza
population is military personal and their families. The station feels like a
small village, it has a school, post office, community hall, a church and a
medical centre and plenty of Adelie Penguins. When we arrived the community
came out to greet us. The school children introduced themselves to the
students and it wasn’t long before a snow ball fight started between them,
and some of the adults joined in. A soccer game was arranged and the teams
integrated very well, plenty of talent on both sides. Afterwards we were
invited to the village hall for a welcoming party (I finally got a decent
cup of coffee) we exchanged stories and email addresses it was a lovely day
and the people of Esperanza gave us a very warm welcome in return we sang
what has become are anthem “an puc ar buile”. We are the first ship to visit
the station since March. Esperanza is surrounded by glaciated valleys, as we
were leaving we passed a giant tabular iceberg shaped like Howth head with a
sea arch. It was white with shades of blue, reflecting the colour of the sea
an amazing sight.

Finally a big hello to all at Trinity Comprehensive Ballymun.

Bye for now

Anne