Endurance Found

 Some of you will know that I spent 1985 in the Antarctic on a scientific expedition. This was the 26th annual South African Expeedition - SANAE 26.  I had a wonderful time exploring one of the most fascinating parts of planet earth. A few weeks ago I wrote about the search for the wreckage of Endurance captained byone of Antarctica's greatest explorers Sir Ernest Shackleton and I mentioned that they were using the latest ship from the SANAE fleet, SA Aghulas II. On the 10th March 2022 the wreck was found on the sea floor and it was remarkably well preserved. 

The Endurance after over 100 years under the sea

Some of you will know that I spent 1985 in the Antarctic on the SANAE III base which is now buried under the snow. I experienced the full effects of the Antarctic seasons from 24hr daylight  to 24hr dark in the winter.

During the time in a world largely cut-off from the world, except for radio contact, Antarctica begins to seep into your bones and you begin to understand the amazing courage and determination of the earlier explorers. They endured hardships that were unimaginable to a South African boy. They were strong minded and skilful, when it seemed impossible to continue they found a way. Even after their ship sank before their eyes, they found a way to continue; dragging a lifeboat with supplies across the frozen sea t the nearest point of safety and by using the lifeboat to set off to where there was a possibility of finding a rescue. Shackleton was able to lead his men and keep them motivated to stay alive and succeed.

 

Some of the scenery from our 1985 expedition 

Icebergs trapped in the frozen sea

In the blue shadow of an iceberg

The spring sunshine through clouds on the horizon provide a moody light 

Exploring the iceshelf  at-30deg 

Looking back inland with our caravan on sleds ove the bukta