Demaria Peak

We cruise out from our cosy anchorage at Vernadsky, waving to our Russian friends and admiring the tall ship anchored just off the base. It is a calm day with low misty cloud, very atmospheric as we pass through icebergs of all shapes and sizes. Demaria Peak looms out of the cloud and we all leap into action ready for a dash to the top, some welcome exercise after a couple of stationary days. We make it beyond the dive-bombing skuas and up the ridge, a couple of very exposed steps but otherwise a straightforward climb to another outstanding Antarctic view. We reckon we have notched up the world record for fastest ascent (Swenja is not great at being cooped up on a small boat) and the first ascent in shorts (by Erik). There is no wind on the top and we brew up a soup and take photos for our various sponsors. What a spot! The cloud comes in as we descend, as do the skuas - one making full contact with my head, a bit like getting a soccer ball full force in the face. No permanent damage though, just another wee snippet to add to the whole Antarctic experienceChristine