We set of for Paradise harbour at 6am on Zodiacs. Before landing we went on
a tour of the bay. The name does not overstate the beauty of this place, it
is undeniably beautiful. The bay is surrounded by mountains and cliffs
carved from the glacier at the head of the bay. The cliffs are blue green in
colour due to cooper deposits. We weaved in and out around the icebergs,
which are all uniquely shaped.

Michael spotted black ice and came up with a brain wave that it would be
useful in drinks later on. We collected two large blocks of ice which were
heavy, and successfully returned them to the ship.

We spotted a leopard seal, this was our first sighting which was very
exciting. Holding on tight to the boat we followed him. Leopard seals are
large animals with big heads with formidable jaws as we witnessed when he
swam under the Zodiac coming up with his month open!!. We had interrupted
him as he was about to feed on a Gentoo penguin and he wasn’t happy, so we
decided to move on towards the Harbour.

The station on the harbour is named after Admiral Brown who established the
Argentinian Navy and came from Foxford Co. Mayo. Once on land, Sinead’s
(student) team set about their team building task with Katie. They had to
make a six point star using two ropes; they worked well together and
completed the task in twelve minutes twenty one seconds.

The rest of us climbed the hill at the back of the station which gave
spectacular view of the glaciers. Coming down was much easier, as after a
certain point we were able to slide down. When we returned to the Harbour to
pick up the Zodiac the Leopard seal had returned and was following Monica’s
(Expedition leader) boat. At one point he attempted to bite the Zodiac,
finally he was distracted by a group of Gentoo penguins that had entered the
water.

After lunch we went on to Neko Harbour. Before we set of in the Zodiacs,
part of a Glacier collapsed. It sounded like a very loud clap of thunder,
surrounding the area with a white cloud. It was very powerful. When we
arrived to Neko Harbour we were greeted by Gentoo penguins. They were busy
marching up and down what are known as penguin highways. If you wander on to
their highway they stand and look at you waiting for you to get off so that
they can proceed. The students engaged in more team building skills and as
always a good snow ball fight was enjoyed by all.

We returned to the ship for dinner and to prepare for our camping trip at
Doreen Bay. We set of at 10pm to help erect tents; some people choose to
build snow shelters to sleep in. Once again the weather was on our side. The
light never fades at this time of the year making the experience unique for
us all. The students built a fantastic snow shelter (resembleing an igloo)
which can mainly be attributed to the hard work by Dylan. Three of the
students slept in it and the rest slept in the tent. Five of us squashed
into a tent which was very comfortable and warm. The temperature dropped and
the wind picked up during the night. We were all prepared for this and wore
the proper clothing. We woke at 5.30am to weather conditions that resembled
a blizzard. Not pleasant when you have to pack up everything. However we
managed it under the guidance of Katie. The Zodiac crew initially found it
difficult to pick us up as the wind was strong and visibility was poor.
However, we eventually got back to the ship just in time for breakfast. It
was great experience and one that was enjoyed by all.

We are now leaving the Antarctic heading for home and don’t expect a smooth
ride as we are sailing into the Drake Passage. We should reach Ushuaia on
Friday morning and then homeward bound.

The experience has been fantastic and made all the more interesting by being
part of the education team. Thank you to the principal Des and vice
principals Fiona and John, and to all the staff from Trinity Comprehensive
Ballymun particularly Joe, for their support and encouragement. Without
which, it would not have been possible for me to be here.

Anne