The Waiting Game
Put footstep of courage into stirrup of patience – Sir Ernest Shackleton
Still at Arctowski Base, the team are playing the waiting game – a game at which Shackleton and his crew were surely world champions . We’re all patiently waiting for two sets of conditions to conspire in our favour: fair conditions to make the crossing to Elephant Island with the Alexandra Shackleton in tow, and good conditions to make the landing at Elephant Island (a notoriously challenging spot to land, known for its rocky, exposed shore and wild, unpredictable weather). With the next couple of days looking unfavourable due to strong winds and large swells, we’ve managed to find a window that looks optimal for a relatively good crossing and landing at Elephant Island, but it’s still a few days away (estimated date of departure from KGI is Wednesday 23 January early morning and arrival at Elephant Island the same day, weather dependent).
Just to prove that Antarctica is the true boss and can do whatever it feels like on any given day, the wind picked up significantly this morning, resulting in an unexpected development. With both the support boat the Australis and the Alexandra Shackleton unable to stay where they were anchored opposite Arctowski base, the Australis began the slow task of motoring away from Arctowski, towing the Alexandra Shackleton to safe harbour with us. Nick Bubb, Paul Larsen, Ed Wardle and Seb Coulthard were all aboard the Alexandra Shackleton when the decision to tow was made, so currently they are following behind us.
From the stern of the Australis I can see them rocking and rolling away, meeting each wave well, althoug the roll seems quite significant from my vantage point and being below deck would probably at times be tantamount to torture.
Considering the Alexandra Shackleton will have to sail in conditions much rougher than this, the crew will certainly have their work cut out for them, but today’s towing adventure is another test run.
- by Jo Stewart Shackleton Epic blogger aboard the Australis
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Dear All
Thank you for all the wonderful pictures and updates – can't get enough of your adventure- you even make the waiting sound interesting!
Your journey has got under my skin and is proving inspirational in many small ways. I'm currently training for my first half marathon (which is epic for me!) and today I ran through the cold (-3) and snow for 10 miles. It was tough, but every time I thought about stopping I thought of you all experiencing much more challenging conditions and carried on a bit further!! It buoyed me up so much that I actually sped along the last couple of miles and felt very positive. You are reminding us daily of Shackelton's determination to make the best of whatever was thrown his way.
Thank you for the wonderful blogs.
Mel, Dorset, UK
I'm loving these blogs and the pictures too. It looks mindblowing and it's great to be able to follow the adventure from the safety of my home. Just returned from Tenerife where the climate is just slightly different – visited the Loro Parque which promises the 'Antarctic Experience' e.g. plastic icebergs and penguins in a huge tank with real snow puffing out of the ceiling every now and then!
From Lesley (Joe French's mum)
Astonishing guys…you are the best….All love and blessings as ever…so proud of you all…x x x x x