After the intensity of the Red Centre, Cairns is a complete contrast.  This is tropical Queensland, with parrots, huge fruit bats, lush vegetation…

In the ‘Red Centre’ things are very red and very hot  The soil is deep orange and dusty.  Plants are strikingly green.  The…

Alice, Alice, who the heck is Alice ?  I hear you cry.  History paragraph:  Well, she was the wife of the man tasked…

2-3 hours drive south of Perth lies the Margaret River region, known and loved by anyone who appreciates Australian wines.  It’s also become…

40 minutes by boat from Perth is Rottnest Island.  This is a very beautiful place.  A largely sand island, it is protected as…

After 5 flights and some very odd in-flight food (3 sorts of pink, sugar laden biscuits vs a toasted baked bean sandwich.  Not…

Leaving Europa was an emotional time.  6 weeks in close confines with 59 other people gives you bonds you almost don’t notice making. …

Crossing the Drake Passage between the Antarctic Peninsula and South America there are 2 reputed sea states:  the ‘Drake Lake’ and the ‘Drake…

The last landing of our expedition lived up to all expectations.  Still inside the caldera of Deception Island, Whalers’ Bay is a long…

Another day, another bay, another whaling station… How easy it would be to take this trip for granted and roll our eyes.  For…