Saturday 13th Feb 2010

We are off. At last the flight from Rio Gallegos by Hercules to Tierra Del Fuego.

Wait in Patagonia in cloudy weather for the hop to Antarctica.

Speak with the solid faced military pilot who is quite charming.

We go in 1/2 an hour if the cloud lifts, its a mud runway and we have to be able to see it...

The journey is longer than expected. We have to circle to runway three times then in we go..

Research scientist/geologist opposite me is concerned. Hang on to the orange canvass straps. But we land with some length to spare.

Cold, glorious, the moon? no the bottom of our planet - with white out.

Marambio camp is full and over flowing with people...too many stuck here on their way..

We are assigned the gym floor - all men of course - a mixture of army, airforce, scientist and artists...its a scrum but people are courteous with each other - i'll sleep anywhere