Yes sunny! Edinburgh. We’re back on land after a fascinating expedition to some of Scotland’s more remote locations. Before I tell you about that I thought I’d show you our wee vessel - the Polar Pioneer, a Finnish-built ice-strengthened research ship, which for nearly 20 years plied the waters of USSR's northern coast. She was then refurbished to provide accommodation for 50 passengers and sails in both the Arctic and Antarctic regions. She’s nothing really flash but perfect for us - cosy, relaxed and friendly. All on board loved her and felt sad that she is to be retired in the next year or so. Here she a is ........
Our wee cabin
With ensuite
We climbed these stairs many times a day back and forth to the dining room, coffee etc
These steep stairs led to the lecture room on Deck 2 - and the sauna!
Our days were full of climbing up and down stairs. We boarded the zodiacs from here a couple or three times a day. Sometimes these felt a bit scary when the sea was choppy or there was a swell - like all the time!
Not a lot of deck space to go walking but we got our exercise on shore in spades!
This led to the monkey deck above the bridge. Was a bit breezy!
We were allow on the bridge any time except a couple of times when the pilot came snouts to guide us into port. It was soooo much warmer.
Relatively tiny life pods but essential
Very squishy but not bad if there’s an emergency- there’s all you need! Flares water oars some survival food and importantly a Russian seaman to drive the thing.
Me in my clobber. We had to don this when ever we went into the zodiacs. My green gardening gloves from Bunnings were fabulous fit keeping the cold and wet out when we were sipping along on the open sea getting sprayed, even doused sometimes. .
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