Vernadsky:
Date: 15-02-07
Paradise to Vernadsky
12:00 Position 64˚57’2.S 063˚36’1.W
17:15 Position 65˚14’8.S 064˚16’2.W
Weather:
Wind: SW2
Temperature: 2
During the night Europa floated around freely in Paradise bay 3 times captain and mate fired up the engines to move to the center of the bay.
Underway we slow down for some spectacular icebergs. Also we see a mother and calf Humpback Whale. This spot must be full of food, because beside the Humpbacks, we see another 9 Antarctic Minke Whales.
The plan is to visit Wordie House before dinner and visit Vernadsky after dinner.
Even for a remote hut like Wordie House you need a key, and the Vernadsky crew were kind enough to let us have it for the afternoon. It’s a small zodiac ride to reach it.
Here you can briefly sense how it must have been for the British crew to winter here 40 years ago.
In the little channels on return from Wordie House Maarten discovers a huge ice cave. and make a turn around some of the crystal icebergs floating near the ship. One is home to three Crabeater Seals that are resting from their nocturnal feeding habits. We also find the southernmost occuring Gentoo penguin colony of Antarctica.
After a nice dinner Rensje prepared wonderful steaks we are of to Vernadsky.
The first zodiac sets out for Vernadsky, where we are welcomed at eight At their jetty, There are thirteen researchers working at the station where hole in the ozone layer was first discovered. At the moment the station also is home to a group of builders. Split up in groups we get a full show round trough the base. Than its up to the bar.
The Ukrainian dj has the dancefloor filled in no time, with a little help of homebrewed wodka. Within 20 minutes every body is dancing and drinking. Back on board there is a beer for everybody.
Back on board we continue with the most southern point party on deck
We welcome 5 visitors from the station including the base commander. The party continous on deck. The deck is decorated with coloured lights a hammock and Reinoud serves coctails at the bar. It is going to be a memorable night. Some people go to bed when it’s already light again.
Vernadsky is the Ukraine base on Antarctica. The base was formerly owned by the British, but they had to sell it because the had too many bases on Antarctica. In the 1980's the 'hole' in the O-zone layer was discovered at this base.
The Ukraine base is open for visitors. A tour round de base is fun. Watching all the research rooms with photos of families (or pin-ups).
It is remote and in winter time it is very cold and dark all day as well.
Best thing is the Vernadsky bar! They make their own vodka in bath tubs and sell it in the bar!
Only women can get a free Vodka if the donate their bra, string etc. The trofees will get a place at the bar.
A great place, but don't get too drunk, you still have to make the ride back in the zodiac! (and the water is freezing cold)
