Yesterday was mainly occupied by a couple of lectures about Shackleton’s expeditions. Our lecturer, Natalie, has produced the documentary about the expedition that found his ship Endurance under the sea ice.

She focussed on how music had influenced the men, from the band in Argentina playing “It’s a long way to Tipperary” to the music the men were listening to just prior to the ship sinking.

A well presented lecture, from an unusual aspect. Her second lecture was about how she made her documentary. Unfortunately as it’s owned privately we were unable to photograph screenshots, but “Endurance” the film looks a great movie to catch on Disney or National Geographic streaming channels

During dinner the Captain announced our approach to the Ross Ice Shelf, but warned us temperatures outside with a wind chill factor would be around -20. It was extremely challenging to take pics, but a fantastic experience.

It’s approximately 500klm long and 950klm wide to the barren and rocky shoreline. Overwhelming really, and brings home just how tough the men were. To top things off a pod of Orcas swam past, with penguins sitting on icebergs.

The Sunset lasted all of 5 minutes before it rose again ! So sleeping can be a bit challenging.

This morning we are anchored at Cape Evans, opposite Mt Erebus. We are shortly due to take a Zodiac and visit Scott’s Hut.

It’s hard to believe we are actually here….I’ve loaded my film camera with black and white film and am channelling my Frank Hurley photographic style. See you later on ❄️❄️❄️❄️