After 10 days in Antarctica with Mike Horn on his magnificent sailboat Pangaea, the young explorers will now go home enriched from their discoveries and experiences and bonded through the sharing of emotions.
The last few days where spectacular….
See the latest photos and videos in our photo
Later, we searched for our shovels and… bathing costume. As we discovered the hot springs the previous day, we knew exactly where to go and dig in the beach to reach the hot water. We prepared a small swimming pool in the hot spring using nearby wood. Everyone was ready to go for a good bath… in the middle of Antarctica! The water was hot and wonderful! After a few hours of bathing and a short walk along the beach we finally decided to go back on the boat to have a late lunch.
In the afternoon, we set the sails up and left Deception Island, direction King George Island. What great scenery to go out of the crater of the volcano with the sails up in the wind!
Another 7 hour trip was in front of us to reach our last destination of this Antarctic adventure. It will also be the last night on the boat for us. We spent our last evening looking at photos and films that were taken during our trip. What wonderful memories!
Our destination today was Deception Island. We spent around 7 hours on the sea with strong winds thus confirming the weather forecasts we had received. Our arrival at Deception Island was amazing. This Island is a volcano crater and there is only one small path between the cliffs to enter into the crater. We stopped in Whalers Bay. This name of the bay comes from the Norwegian people who went there to hunt whales.
From the boat we could see some old houses on the shore. As we were very curious to see closer, we put the zodiac into the water and went for a walk on the Island. We could see the wrecked ships on the shores and the left behind whale bones.
As the island comes from a volcano, there are numerous hot water springs on the shore. It was like a treasure hunt finding these hot springs but we finally discovered them because of the steam rising from the sandy shoreline. We didn't have to dig far to reach the hot Water. We recorded the temperature at 48,5 degrees and the decision was made to come back the following morning and take a (very much neede) warm bath.
It was time for us to get back to the boat as the wind was picking up again. While the cook was preparing the dinner, the captain decided to move the boat and anchor it in a more secure place. We crossed the volcano crater of Deception Island and found a protected place where we could stay for the night. All the young explorers were tired after this evening but happy with all they had done and seen until now.
Sailing around the picturesque island in search of a bay to anchor, Pangaea and her passengers eventually found a sheltered bay where they could run out lines and secure her safely. With the tide going out, and the boat aground, this gave Mike and our young explorers the opportunity to make their first exploration of the island. They were not disappointed. The team met their first Antarctic penguins and sea lions! It was amazing how close they could get to the animals who weren't at all perturbed by what must have seemed like an alien presense on their peaceful land.
Back on the boat in the evening, the young explorers enjoyed a hot meal and discussed excitedly their experiences throughout the day.
The following day was a day of research for the young adults. This was a follow up on what they had learnt about during the selection camp in Switzerland one month earlier with Roswitha from the University of Munich. Eager to discover more about human impact on the Antarctic, the young explorers would now undertake scientific measurement procedures. This time in the real Antarctica! They started by taking ocean samples to test temperature, salinity and turbidity measurements. Plankton samples were also recorded at different depths to learn more about abundance and types living in these Antarctic waters.
Today Pangaea has shifted to the mainland and this allows opportunities for more tests to be done. The young adults will analyse snow profiles taken from trans-section of two different glaciers. Snow wetness and grain size are are important factors when learning more about the development of the sea ice and the effects of global warming.
Ready to walk, the young explorers have been kitted with warm gear and are currently crossing overland. Weather conditions are good with temperatures at -1°c, skies overcast with some snow falling. After one day and evening on the Antarctic Peninsula, Mike, the guides and the young adults will rejoin the boat in the evening. We are eager to hear their stories of their overland adventure.
As well as their warm messages that they are sending home to their parents they have also sent us their blogs for the website. Here are the blogs from our English speakers;
The next morning we left Trinity Island and sailed a few hours to Charcot Bay. There, according to the maps, we knew we would find a safe place to anchor. The weather was nice with gently breezes and sun slowly coming out from behind the clouds.
It was here that we were able to do our first scientific tests under the surveillance of Roswitha from the University of Munich. We took plankton measurements from Trinity Island through to Charcot Bay. The samples were carefully taken and analyzed in the evening. Other measurements of salinity and water temperature were also done.
We passed some huge ice bergs when approaching the Peninsula and as soon as we arrived at Charcot Bay, we prepared ourselves to walk on the ice. After having found a path through the ice, the zodiac was put into the water and everybody was transported to the peninsula.
A challenge lay ahead of us – a small summit that probability no one had ever climbed. After hiking approximately 45 minutes in fresh snow, we reached the summit. What an amazing view from the top!! We could see the entire bay full of ice and icebergs with the boat standing in the middle of that beautiful landscape. Incredible!! We baptized this summit the 'Pangaea Summit' and took its coordinates (63°46.351 S 059°47.448 W).
As we were on the summit, Roswitha asked us to take snow measurements. It was quite an interesting place to see the different layers. After 45 minutes, we decided to go down and back to the boat where they were welcomed with a hot lunch. The captain and the crew were busy getting the boat anchored for the evening but to our surprise the day was not yet over! Tonight we were going to experience a night on land. We were told to prepare our sleeping bags and kit and be ready to camp for the night.
Our guides found a nice spot to set up a camp and we left the boat at 8pm and started walking. It was a new experience to walk during the night with Petzl headlamps and ropes to secure us. We eventually reached our campsite and everyone started working quickly to get the tent pitched. One hour later, we were all inside drinking hot soup. We had a great night and it was hard getting out of the sleeping bag the next morning.
After what seemed like ages, the two weeks after the training camp was finally over ! I couldn`t wait to get to Ushuaia, see everybody again and most importantly – set sail for Antarctica!
The few lazy days we spent in Ushuaia was fun, but we were anxious to start our expedition! Each morning we walked to the boat, trying to figure out what we were going to do. Most of the time our excitement was
short lived. We scrubbed the deck and polished the rails, the dishes needed washing, the winches needed repairing – there was always something that needed doing, even though we sometimes couldn`t understand why the windows needed to be washed while it was raining and we were freezing!
Finally we woke up one morning and at the breakfast table the rumour started . . . we were sailing that night! Within a matter of hours, our bags were packed, the last pair of boots were found, the keys handed in and we waved goodbye to the last form of civilization we would encounter on our trip. The rush of adventure helped to keep the cold out for a bit, but the sea sickness was unstoppable! Two days of being almost paralyzed – the less you move, the better it gets – and then it was over. Soon it was just getting up for your shift and then crawling into your sleeping bag as quickly and quietly as possible. One morning Henry and I started our early morning shift. He went down to get some coffee and I decided to stay in the pilot`s room.
I was just staring out of the window, it was just ocean as far as you can see! My day dreaming was interrupted by rain, so I shifted my attention and watched the rain falling, it looked so weird! It took me about ten minutes to realize that this funny rain was actually snow! I was extremely impressed with my first sighting of snow falling! Soon everybody was on deck, snowball fights followed and even a little snowman was created by the Captain.
I think the next morning – you lose your sense of time on board – we were woken up for our shift with very exciting news, `Iceberg ahead!´ Running upstairs, we could see them, very distant at first, but before we could even finish our Corn Flakes, they were everywhere! Seeing them rising out of the mist was strangely exciting, knowing that they meant that we were close was almost unbearable!
Seeing Trinity Island for the first time I never could have imagined it being so beautiful! We reached the Island and after a while we could finally get off the boat and set foot on Antarctica! I don`t think the goosebumps I felt had anything to do with the cold! It was just white and blue, penguins were walking, barely a meter from where we were standing, we where even lucky enough to see some seals. We got so close, we could touch them if we wanted to! The old house on the rocks, tells the tale of an expedition to the penguin Island a few years back. We might repair it if we have the time. Too soon it was back to the boat to prepare our gear for the base camp we`ll be setting up.
I can`t wait to upload my pictures and tell the stories attached, because my quick blog can`t do the beauty we`re experiencing justice. This is definitely something that has to be seen to be believed.
It is at times like this when you really do feel like you are sailing off the end of the known world. There are only a couple of us awake and we speak in whispers. The navigation instruments faintly send a red glow onto the faces of nearby mouse-clicking onlookers and the windows fog over. I scrub some of the window clear and look through at an alien world. Stars I’ve never seen before are scattered across the sky in random patterns that leave me in awe. After two hours, I hit the bed again and wake for next watch at 8.00. It is snowing now, accumulating on the deck, and the water temperature has dropped to negative something degrees Celsius. We just passed sixty degrees latitude and a mood is beginning to set in on Pangaea. Along with the muffling snow, a distinct quiet echoes around the boat, as we get closer to Antarctica and prepare ourselves for stepping onto Trinity Island, a semi-uncharted body of land. This is the biggest adventure I have ever undertaken and have been searching for a moment like this since I stumbled into a love affair with nature long ago. I have prepared as best as I can and hope I can perform as is hoped of me in and after Antarctica. We are getting close.
For Mike and the young explorers, the adventure is starting!
The first thrill for our young explorers is to discover Pangaea, the 35 meter sailing vessel that will take them to Antarctica. Once onboard Nick, Pangaea’s captain, took our young adults for a guided tour and explained to them the boat and the security rules.
The day ended with a dinner organized by Pangaea’s Title Sponsor Mercedes-Benz to celebrate the start of the expedition.
On Thursday, after a well deserved long sleep, the young explorers were initiated to the life onboard. Before going for a sailing tour, they had to work and clean the deck and the windows. Then, en route for a sailing tour to discover the Argentinian coastline to the National Park. We could feel the emotion… what a pleasure to sail onboard of Pangaea.
Surprise ! The young explorers will not sail back to Ushuaia but walk back ! Training session for the Antarctic. With the guides, Claude-Alain, Fred and Erwan, and some crew members, they walked 20km!
Departure for Antarctica is getting closer… tomorrow they will get the equipment ready. Everybody is excited!
D-Day for departure
Here we are… Sunday evening and Mike Horn and his team are flying to Ushuaia. For many days, the team has been very busy preparing all the equipment for Mike's expedition and the Young Explorers trip. Everything must be ready, checked and well organized. Preparing Mike’s food, is as well, an important mission, more than 500 packages, all precisely measured.
Pangaea is starting!!! After months of preparation, Mike Horn is about to leave for 4 years of adventure around the world. His dream becomes reality… Mike Horn and his team are all excited to going to Ushuaia and are looking forward to sharing with you amazing images, emotions and challenges.
On Tuesday, the young explorers, Henry, Carlien, Alexandra, Maria, Vincent and Nora, will as well, fly out to Ushuaia and meet Mike and his team down in the beautiful Terra del Fuego.
Follow the first Young Explorers Adventure. We will give you regular news!
For many days, the team has been very busy preparing all the equipment for Mike's expedition and the Young Explorers trip. Everything must be ready, checked and well organized. Preparing Mike’s food, is as well, an important mission, more than 500 packages, all precisely measured.
Pangaea is starting!!! After months of preparation, Mike Horn is about to leave for 4 years of adventure around the world. His dream becomes reality… Mike Horn and his team are all excited to going to Ushuaia and are looking forward to sharing with you amazing images, emotions and challenges.
On Tuesday, the young explorers, Henry, Carlien, Alexandra, Maria, Vincent and Nora, will as well, fly out to Ushuaia and meet Mike and his team down in the beautiful Terra del Fuego.
Follow the first Young Explorers Adventure. We will give you regular news!