Leaving the Antractic for New Zealand

 

Next	Previous

Battered and bruised, the Nespelen finally got the word that it was time for us to leave. We had all noticed that the open sea was beginning to freeze, but, more importantly, the sun was very low on the horizon as it made its journey around the rim. For three months I had been suffering from the 24 hours of daylight which made it hard for me to go to bed. It just didn't seem natural to be going to bed when it looked like afternoon outside.

We packed up, pulled out our mooring ties and headed toward New Zealand.

I always felt sorry for the sailors standing there and watching us leave. They knew that they were stuck there for the next year and it had to be a lonely feeling.

In the tradition of the Navy, we hoisted a broom to the top of our mast to signify a "clean sweep."

I can say that the trip to Antarctica was one of the most exciting experiences of my life. I did look forward to a return to New Zealand and the promise of fresh vegetables, milk, steaks, beer and, of course, meeting some young women. 

 

 

Next	Previous