After preparing for a long day on shore today, both mentally and with a backpack full of Rogers fresh baked breakfast rolls (12 hours of running was the first estimation), the weather decided to have different plans.

The course team went to shore to try and set our course for the day.  Not long later they were heading back to the ship on a wild zodiac ride as the wind picked up and the waves were huge.  It shows how quickly things can change in Antarctica.  Yesterday we had a beautiful calm sunny day.  Today, not so much!  

The ship set off on a rocky journey to try and find somewhere calmer – 3 attempts, 8 wild bumpy hours, 2 bad movies, 6 cups of tea and 4 jam filled scones later we are still on the move.  My guess is today might be a rest day.

Not much to report really.  Only wildlife spots today were hairy male co-competitors.  Calories consumed…approx. 10,000.  Calories burned…..approx. 5.  Fun had…..lots! 

We just had a lecture entitled ‘Ice Maidens….pioneering women of Antarctica’.  Girls, we have some fun to have and some records to break down here.  Vinson and the South Pole are waiting for us.  Mission for this winter is to learn to cross-country ski….fast.

It will be our last day of running tomorrow.  And then my 4 Deserts journey will be complete.  A journey I didn’t realise I was embarking on when I entered my first ultra-running adventure back in 2009.  I couldn’t have predicted it would end up here.  All the amazing places I have seen.  The incredible people I have met.  The highs and lows.  Loads and loads of laughs.  Definitely a few tears.  Pain, pain, did I mention the pain.  And the goriest foot pics of my mangled post-race feet.  Neither I, nor my feet, will ever be the same again.  I am so grateful for these adventures.  If anyone is considering undertaking this journey and attempting the 4 deserts challenge, then without a doubt go for it.  You won’t regret it for a second.

Thanks again everyone for the messages and comments!  Keep them coming!

Next instalment tomorrow!

Love from the South xxxxx

Rumours were spreading around the ship this morning that we were going to be in for a long day on the course today with a lot of mileage. I had already eaten my way through all of my official race food, so I was forced to stock up from the breakfast buffet with a large selection of Roger the ship bakers (Roger and I are on first name terms) freshly baked breakfast pastries. My backpack was stocked full of piping hot pain au chocolat and I was ready to go!

When the zodiacs came up to land and I caught first sight of todays course, my will to live began to fade. It was an extremely steep climbing switchback course, and I figured a few rounds of that and I would be wanting to fling myself from the top just to put myself out of my misery. Actually though, once we got going and I saw the full course, it was one of the most stunning sights I have ever experienced. Truly beautiful. I had to stop at times and step back just to take it all in (also, I was exhausted, but mainly the stops were for the scenery).

We had another beautiful al fresco porta potty today, which looked out across the water to stunning mountains and penguins swimming by. I took my first trip, enjoying the peace and quiet and nature at its finest, until a group of Chinese tourists kayaked by, cameras clicking away capturing the whole thing

Sorry for the lack of blogging yesterday. I was far too busy sweeping the dinner buffet last night to make it to the cybertent in time. I think my entry might be limited tonight too as working this miniscule keyboard is proving to be my biggest challenge of the week.

After a second day at sea spent eating, sleeping, snacking and napping I thought that the only use for my blister kit would end up being for the bed sores that I would inevitably get from spending so much time lazing around. But finally we made it to land and I got the chance to drag my bloated body on shore for some exercise.

This place is just incredible. I can

Shockingly my bags and I arrived in Ushuaia on schedule and intact.

As I came into land seeing the snow covered landscape, and disembarked the plane and felt the icy chill, my only thoughts were

I