Expedition Leader Larry Hobbs briefs a group at the Chilean station Frei on King George Island.

A group of guests make a point at the monument to the Antarctic Treaty on King George Island.

Looking like something from a medieval fairy tale, the Russian Orthodox church at Bellinghausen Station emerges from the thick fog that engulfed the island.

Cruise Director Jannie Cloete welcomes in the New Year with a group of guests.

Guests took advantage of the heated pool to take a warm dip while snow fell in the first hours of 2011!

King George Island

12/31/2010

 On waking, we were surprised to find Le Boreal heading north. There had been a medical emergency during the night and the captain had turned the ship round so we were heading to the Chilean Marsh station on King George Island where there is an airport and the patient could be flown to Punta Arenas, Chile.  

During the morning we were entertained by geologist Juan's talk 'Water: The restless sea' in which he explained oceanic circulation, tides, waves and the world's main current systems.  

We arrived at King George Island in the late afternoon and the Chileans kindly arranged for us to tour the station facilities on their navy and airforce stations (Frei and Fildes) and climb to the small wooden Russian orthodox church.  

On our return aboard, we were delighted to learn that the patient was sufficiently stable that he could remain on board and we would be able to head back south. The news added zest to the New Year celebrations that started with a Gala Dinner and continued into the small hours.