The Continent of Antarctica - March 20, 2009 - (Afternoon)

Today we landed on the continent of Antarctica. It was minus three degrees Celsius with a wind chill of probably fifteen degrees below that temperature. The sea was very rough and as the Zodiac boats hit the waves, sea water splashed over the entire team, so we started out wet. Most of ourgear is stored in our waterproof bags made especially for this reason. On top of these conditions, it was snowing. Other than that I can't complain. This is the Antarctic and I expected it to be cold down here. The expedition leaders immediately had us start our march up the glacier at Brown's Bluff. The glacier was very steep and our climb was made especially more difficult with the strong wind and snow blowing against us. Most of the expedition wore goggles to keep the wind and snow out of our face. The cold air also made the lungs burn a bit.On the beach we ran into quite a few fur seals which are not afraid of humans. In fact, they have been known to charge humans. The females have all headed out to sea to feed during their pregnancies. Some of the males remain behind for a few weeks and will then follow the females north. I was able to get a photo with my expedition partner Sean Hannaby who hails from England. We held the Idaho State flag near the top of the glacier.The wind speed would have made it almost impossible to hold at the top. I also held small flags that were given to me from the Boy Scout office in Boise. One represented the Cub Scouts and the other for the Boy Scouts.The weather has seemed change on us. It has been cold and clear, but now ithas turned very cold, windy and snowy. I wish the Summer wind Skippers good luck in your competition which I think takes place this week.