The Waiting Game
"A journey is like marriage. The certain way to be wrong is to think you control it" – John Steinbeck
Australis, anchored just outside of King George Island
So here we sit, still anchored just outside of King George Island, land in sight but not able to be reached due to unfavourable winds. We hope to sail into harbour tomorrow, but with the conditions changing seemingly on a whim, we’ve learned to go with the flow and not pin our hopes solidly on a fixed outcome or time frame. Antarctica doesn’t work that way – it throws up so many variables, anyone who travels here needs to be flexible, adaptable and patient. The crew of Alexandra Shackleton have made the most of this little roadblock by using the time wisely. They’ve been sorting, mending and testing out their replica vintage gear, taking weather readings and reading up on Shackleton history. Tim even did some ironing today, thoroughly trashing his reputation as a wild adventurer! The winds have abated a little from the 56 knots of yesterday, but it’s still pretty gusty, with the never ending, low howl still audible from below deck.
Shackleton Epic support vessel, Australis
The crossing of the Drake Passage drained many of us, so this time to recuperate, rest and reflect is actually an advantage, particularly for the crew of Alexandra Shackleton who will soon be out in the elements, conducting sea trials. An extra day on board the support boat Australis is no hardship for any of us – she’s a beautiful yacht, well equipped to accommodate us. Being surrounded by such stunning icy terrain is a bonus… a bonus we can’t wait to finally set foot on!
- by Jo Stewart, Shackleton Epic blogger
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Jo – I'm really enjoying your updates. I do extended, solo coastal cruises along the Queensland coast in my little trailer sailer. Often I have wait out weather at some isolated island. I can only begin to imagine the challenge that Mr Jarvis and the crew have set themselves. They seem a pretty tough bunch of blokes.
Best, Gerard
Hi Tim and team, Back at Arup's office in Adelaide and now back at work, we are all thinking off you constantly. Last week, those of us that were at sea here experienced 40 knot winds and 45C temperatures providing just a hint of the extremes you are all facing. We can barely imagine the experience of sailing Drake Passage with gusts to 85 knots so understand how 'drained' some of you may have been! Hopefully these extreme winds are a harbinger of fair weather for your journey ahead. Best wishes to you all including our fellow Arupians Keith, Steve, Don and of course Tim. Regards from Adelaide Arupians.
Dear All
Your adventure is genuinely brightening up my return to routine work this January! Every day I look forward to reading the latest news and checking where you are on the map. I've never done anything remotely like your trip. - I'm seasick on a lilo, so I probably never will! – but following your progress daily is really exciting. I saw a small article in our local paper (Dorset Echo) about your challenge and reading your daily blog is like being drip-fed a fantastic book, but with all the thrill of knowing it's really true! I'm interested to read any news and information about what things are like for you on your adventure and what the world is like down there and I'd love to see some photos too – are you uploading any that I'm missing?
Thanks for the daily news – feel free to write more!!
Best Wishes
Mel, Dorchester, Dorset, UK
Hi Guys,
I know that you have finally picked up my husband, Nigel Sinclair , from St Geaoges Island, with all the rest of your sponsor group. Glad that the weather has calmed down and you are finallyable to sail down to the Antartic Peninsular.I am keeping all of you in my prayers, that the weather reamains good and you all have a wonderfull and safe trip. Enjoy the milk chocoate buttons.
Tim,
It is great to be able to follow your team's amazing efforts through this blog site. I will be keeping the PB people updated on a daily basis. We all wish you a safe and successful trip. None of us can fully appreciate the experience but war are all in awe of your courage, skill and determination.
God keep you safe.
DCB