Log Entry No3 - 29th Feb 08. (Discoverer)

FROM THE CAPTAINS CABIN

On Monday morning Red Watch (Shaun, Chris, Glen and Harry) got the first glimpse of the South Georgia. We sighted it through much low cloud, as it came and went, but within a few hours the island had become clear. As we approached Cumberland Bay we were able to enjoy the spectacular views of glaciers, blue skies, and mists falling off the hills.

The severe wind and harsh weather as we approached the island was unexpected by the crew, who had no idea of how badly the elements were going to treat them. We soon took the mainsail down and got thoroughly drenched in the process.

Crew pass old wreck.

As we entered East Cumberland Bay, the wind had calmed a little and we moored up on the dock at Grytviken, having been helped alongside by fellow yachtsman. This was a family, on an 18 year world exploration of their own. Before we could start exploring we were welcomed by the Islands Customs Officer, who briefed us our limitations on the island as well as bio security to help preserve the islands uniqueness and nature reserves. She also stamped our passports. When we had put the boat to bed we were treated to a well earned supper of bangers and mash served by Steve and his boys in blue watch. It was nice to have the boat stationary and not cling on to our plates as we ate.

Our first morning at Grytviken, was refreshing for everyone after a much needed whole night in bed. We began our day by seeing the local sights, enjoying the unpredicted sunshine and warmth out of the wind. After sitting down for lunch we set about team tasks. One of these included researching information from the South Georgia museum where we discovered that whaling was undertaken here from 1904 to 1965. Some days the Whalers caught one whale and other times they captured up to 30. The largest being a 112ft Blue Whale which is the largest ever recorded anywhere in the world, sadly its fate was still the same. We also learnt that the whaler’s had football and shooting competitions between the whaling stations.

Perhaps South Georgia is most famous as Sir Ernest Shackleton’s resting place. In 1917 he was able to sail back to here from Antarctica in appalling conditions on is way to effect the rescue of his stricken crew who were waiting hundreds of miles away on Elephant Island after they were shipwrecked, he then had to cross the rugged, glaciated terrain to raise the alarm.

A new day saw the discovery of the destroyed remains of a helicopter and gun hut used during both the conflict of the Falklands War in 1982 and as a deterrent in the great wars respectively. Once we had a good look round and dodged some irate seals on the surrounding shorelines we returned to the yacht. Later we were joined by several personalities from of the administrative team from King Edward Point. These included the museum manager, the base doctor, the post office Mistress and the South Georgia Commander, Miriam from the Museum, who was very happy to stay for an English supper of Roast Beef and Apple Crumble, which was served by our master chefs Shaun and Windy.

On Wednesday we awoke to an overcast, damp and wet morning. We had planned a hike to Maiviken departing at 1000, however Becky was able to telephone the Met Office in the Falklands and give us good news that the “clag” will be disappearing soon. Thus the postponement was short lived and we were soon packing for our hike. After being broken down to two teams we were ready to leave at around 11:30, by which time the fine weather had sprung to life through the low clouds. The sunshine made our first exploration of South Georgia all the more spectacular as the view of the landscape was greatly enhanced. After arriving at a high point, we looked into Maiviken, and sat for lunch. After, we set off in small groups for our individual discovery of the caves, seals, penguins. After a long day of unearthing the landscapes of Maiviken we headed back through the valleys and over the ridges to stumble upon a small dam heading up a small pool of fresh arctic water which seemed far too irresistible not to take a quick dip. This was led by Danny and Luke and soon followed by the rest of the crew leaving us all refreshed if not cold. At the end of a great day of exploration we returned to Discoverer for another excellent meal, chilli chicken, and mixed fruit salad for pud!

By Air Trooper Casey and Signaller Harry Pankhurst