Here we are! We feel like we've made it. Possibly because we are surrounded by pack ice? The ship makes the most terrible grinding noise as we cut and push our way through the sea ice breaking up. What fun though! Hey guys, it's snowing! Let's have a snow fight! No, that's not fair - you got me! How can I get you back? I can't exactly make a snowball with these flappy bits? The continent of Antarctica is now actually within our sights. I can't believe it - at last! And we are so lucky. It is a beautiful sunny day and the ice and water are gleaming as we weave our way through the ice to reach Cape Adare. Cath and Trish are really enjoying basking in the sun while gazing at the spectacular scenery surrounding us. How glary is it though!! Our first sighting of yet another species of penguin - the Adelie. These are really cute small penguins with great personalities. And it's the first time we've seen penguins on ice. Mind you, my poor little furry friends are having trouble jumping off ice floes and swimming away from the ship as it ploughs its way toward them! We've landed! Yes, we have set foot on the great white cold continent called ANTARCTICA! Here I am with some beautiful scenery in the background and doing some promotional work for my company StarBiz Consulting Pty. Ltd. Let's try and get up close and personal with an Adelie penguin! Mind you, this one seems intent on getting to the shore to dive into the water and find food. Poor thing had probably traipsed right from the top of the hill. Would you believe there was a 100 year old hut here at Cape Adare, used by the very first explorers to Antarctica in 1899 (led by Borchgrevinck). We had a look inside and it has been very well preserved. What a basic existence...but in the most beautiful place on earth! Rodney dragged us out of bed at 5am this morning to come and see Possession Island. It was well worth it - we'll get up early anytime! Lots more of my penguin friends here, having trouble getting to the water because the snow and ice hasn't melted from the beach this year. Interesting colors? Yes, it's penguin poo! Unfortunately they are unable to digest the eyes of the crill they consume, hence they pass right through... Curious Adelies coming to meet us as we land on Possession Island. They are a bit grubby these ones aren't they! I'm not sure I want to get TOO close. Ah, that's better - these Adelies have just hopped out of the water so they're much cleaner! At Cape Hallett later the same day, we've landed on the sea ice close to land (couldn't quite make it to the beach through all the ice). Now is this what you call a penguin parade? They have discovered a very efficient way of travelling - this tobogganing technique! Geoff is HOT again.....as usual! It's just not as cold here as we expected. I don't have to wear much of course, but Geoff and Cath rug up with thermal undies, skivvies, tracksuit pants, jumpers and waterproof gear. Here they are trying to cool down in the snow! Oh no - are we going to be able to get back to the ship? The ice is moving in and the naiads are not ice-breakers! We could get stuck in the pack ice. In fact we were lucky we were in group 1 as the next two groups didn't make it ashore due to too much ice. Another early morning start - up at 4am! Not that you would know when it's light the whole time... Actually an early morning hike around Inexpressible Island is a great way to start the day! Mmmmm, a Tasmanian apple? Quite a colorful sight here on the island. Knock, knock - any scientists in there?