2022: Blog | Community
10/02/2022
As we have mentioned before, this season is unlike recent others - we aren’t able to host visits. This means that most of the time it is just the three of us on our tiny Antarctica Island. We occasionally see the larger cruise ships sailing past and more frequently the yachts harbouring in the back bay to shelter from the harsh weather that Antarctica is testing their little vessels with. Despite Covid preventing us going onto ships, giving lectures, showing people the interesting artefacts in the museum and having our conventional post office open, it hasn’t managed to come close to touching the welcoming sense of community down here. Yachts that anchor nearby, radio to say hello allowing us to chat to friends we’ve made on previous seasons or those who are new to the area. Exchanges of well wishes and long waves from shore to vessel (a bit of a tradition at Port Lockroy) are always met with gratitude and enthusiasm.
Pictured: Kit waves to passing visitors
We have also managed, in a Covid secure way, to organise a way in which passing yachts and ships can get postcards and stamps. To hear the chattered excitement in the background of radio conversations while the operator tries to act coy, “I’ll check to see if anyone is interested”, never fails to bring a smile to your face. It is such a simple but lovely thing to be able to do – spreading joy in this ongoing pandemic, one stamp at a time.
Thank you all for your unconditional kindness and generosity. We hope we can welcome you all back into Bransfield House soon!
Kit Adams, Port Lockroy General Assistant 2021 - 2022
Many historic expeditions and explorers, including the men of Operation Tabarin (a top secret mission to Antarctica during World War II) have followed this same route to Antarctica. Whilst I set sail on a modern ship, the 14 men of Operation Tabarin left Stanley on 2 small ships, one of which was not ice strengthened. Not only did they have the dangers of a polar expedition in front of them, but also the potential threat of enemy forces during WWII.
This film captures the 134ft HMS William Scorseby at sea in Feb 1944 (Reproduced courtesy of BAS Archives, Ref AD6/16/1944/1.1).We, like our polar ancestors, are now heading South through the furious 50°'s and eventually to the screaming 60°’s, where the winds batter the Southern Ocean, with terrifying intensity. I cannot begin to imagine what it would have been on The Scorseby, with the men of Operation Tabarin in such weather. I am hoping to experience some of the beauty and wonder of Antarctica's wildlife on my journey there. With perhaps a small bit of Antarctic adventure thrown in. Although perhaps I should be careful what I wish for!
