Day 15 18.12.22 - a morning ski, exploring the ice falls and final goodbyes.

December 18, 2022

The return flight to Punta Arenas is happening but not before 6pm.

Time for breakfast and for an excursion to the ice falls of Union Glacier. The basin of the glacier is 25km wide and 50km long. The glacier moves 20m a year.

At the very top of the of the valley we go for a walk on the ice waves created by the ice falls. Amazing spectacle.

Back to camp by 2pm, it is checking in luggage for the flight time (5 hours in advance). But there’s still the chance for Jason and I to try Nordic skiing in Antarctica. Quick round trip to the adjacent Chilean base. 40 minutes in and we seem to master the skis. Preparation for the next trip to the South Pole? Maybe, one day.

We come back just in time for an an early supper as the plane is coming. I buy an extra t-shirt as I run out of clean clothes and despite the shower my gear now smells.

Celine brings us our diplomas saying we climbed Vinson. Big hugs. Little tears.

We say goodbye to Rowena and Steve who will stay and ski the last degree to the South Pole (89 to 90 degree South).

The big trucks arrive to take us to the landing strip. It’s completely made of ice - blue ice; 3km deep.

We board the Icelandair 757 and I pick the same emergency exit seat I had on arrival. Kenton and Rob do the same. 7:45pm is take off.

Will Smith was supposed to be on the plane. But he is not!!

Good bye Antarctica. At least for now.