Hollinger in Antarctica

I have finally made it back to Sheffield, 54 days after leaving for the trip of a lifetime.  I’m glad to say that I am fit and well with no signs of illness or injury – except perhaps a little tired after all the travelling and the science testing in Portsmouth yesterday.    I’ve spent several hours doing my washing the worst part of which was removing all the dirty kit from my bag.  Things don’t really smell much in the cold Antarctic conditions and nobody is really that bothered anyway but under normal conditions that we are used to in the UK dirty kit really mings.  I had planned to do my Christmas shopping in Chile but due to our delay in Antarctica, presents will have to be from the UK and bought tomorrow! 

Now that the expedition has come to an end I won’t be updating the blog as regularly.  However, there will be some more entries.  There is still lots to do such as analysing the science results and giving talks to share my experiences.  I already have three booked in so over Christmas I will be sorting my photos.  Also there is the excitement of the ‘best question’ and ‘best joke competition’ which ran at Tapton School.  I will have a think about the winners over the Xmas holidays and post results on the blog. 

I’ve had a look at the Tapton School website www.taptonschool.co.uk and would like to say a huge thanks to all the students who wrote updates – for the website and Wednesday letter.  You have been fantastic so make sure you see me in school as I have a small present for each of you to say thanks.  Finally a huge thanks to everyone who has been so supportive.  I won’t mention everyone by name but particular thanks to Angus, Tapton School and Dr Smith, Ballyclare High School, Andy Hodson at Sheffield University, Steve Bull, Ann and Peter Fuchs and finally Phil, Ian, Amy, Carolyn and Carl who I shared such a fantastic experience with.