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There are always those times when being on 24 hr duty is a bit of a nightmare. Such as last night, where having cooked a BBQ for base (with lots of preparatory assistance from Nicola and Al), I went off to put a bit of pirate fancy dress on, and no sooner had I reached the lounge, then I was called to put a SAR boat on the water. Alas, I did so with Birgit. The planes departed and again no sooner was I comfortably sat down then up again as the planes were returning. except, this time, as we hitched the boat up, two humpback whales surfaced right next to the wharf. The pictures speak the rest, and the video (which might go up, even more..)


noticeably identifiable!
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I must make an apology to those that have come looking for news from the South... alas my last entries have been rather sporadic. I am in the process of updating and catching up.

All is well on station though this season seems to be replicating the summer of Europe where by we have had loads of snow and wind and cloud which has been causing some delays.

I will keep you all posted.

More folk involved with the Bonner Lab have been arriving so I have been trying to get them out on the boats for some training...


Matt the Terrestrial Assistant and Johnny the Dive Officer on coxswain familiarisation

Since the Twin Otters returned all good weather (few and far between) is used for the required check flights


Twin Otter flying over base

The weather has been unceasing and surprisingly enough after reports of a soggy British summer, so we are have a soggy summer start with so much snow.


More snow reminds everyone of winters past…
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At the same time the Twin Otters departed for the end of last summer, so the diving was stopped for a review.

Both returned to Rothera today with checkout dives off the wharf and Twin Otters returning after delays in Punta Arenas.


John the BC and Ali the marine assistant prepare for their first dive of the season
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Rothera is a popular place for tourists as we give them such a good reception. However base almost grinds to a halt to cater and this was aptly demonstrated when over 100 passengers on the 'Kapitain Khlebnikov' run by Quark Expeditions visited for the day.


Kapitan Khlebnikov off Rothera
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