Report 31 January - Team B on board Pelagic at Bellingshausen Base - King George Island

Sun 31 jan 23.45pm report by heather

On our first full day at Bellingshausen, the zodiac was our speedy transport ashore negotiating ice flows on the way. On arrival, we had an initial meeting with Colonel Konstantin, the base commander of Bellingshausen. After a formal introduction and exchange of protocol and gifts between Adrian and Konstantin, we experienced wonderful Russian hospitality. He served tea, biscuits and of course, vodka and encouraged us to take a free rein to do our work both filming and interviewing the base and its people. However, the Colonel had his priorities right, firstly insisting we make use of their sauna and showers. How could we refuse. What a surreal experience having a sauna in an electrical generating house at the edge of the base but wow did it feel great.

Later, Colonel Konstantin introduced us to the commander of the nearby Chinese base. Adrian will visit Doctor Shuh tomorrow afternoon. There are quite a number of bases on King George Island and the surrounding area - Chinese, Chilean, Uruguayan, Argentinian. Colonel Konstantin explained to us that they work together in co -operation, as he put it, 'On Antarctica, we are all smiles - nothing is a problem'. After a tour of the base, a guided yomp was organised across this volcanic island, the interior of which resembles a lunar landscape. Sparsely covered in snow and a balmy 5c today although in winter, temperatures can drop to - 30c and in places the snow can be 2 metres deep.

Our guide, Sasha, a scientist on the base, introduced us to several of his favourite locations which included breeding sites of Elephant, Fur and Weddell seals. It was important to approach these mammals with great care as they can react quickly and agressively if startled. However, they can be very tolerant and gentle if treated with respect. We were rewarded with poses and a variety of photo opportunities which we look forward to sharing on our return.

. Jeremy and Eric spent time interviewing and filming at the base gathering important material for future phases of Mission Antarctica. One sad occasion was the last meterological balloon release at Bellingshausen. We were privileged to witness this event, which the scientists involved in this project saw as the end of an era . Kirsten and I also met 2 German scientists studying the nesting sites and feeding patterns of skua and other Antarctic sea birds . This contact may prove to be a long term connection. Whilst we have met some wonderful people and dedicated scientists, some of the team members are shocked by the results of human activity on this remote island. The pictures which we will post on the website on our return may help to explain this.

Heather Prodger - Standard Life