Creating an educational program based on our expeditions and lifestyle is one of the more primary goals of the expedition. We would like to continue to use Northanger to access the remote regions of the globe in our pursuit of climbing and exploring and to share with others the realization of our dreams through photography and film. This expedition evolved from Eduard's great desire to sail with us aboard Northanger to go climbing in the Antarctic Peninsula. Eduard is a serious climber and we had originally hope to have another hardened climber join us for this trip to climb with him even though he is very happy to climb with Greg (who is a climber though after having spent the last 6 months at sea, has taken on more of a sailors bodily form than a climbers).       Roger has his own very personal goals, which he will share through his journal updates, as do Niel and Jonathon.       Our main goal is to sail to the Peninsula and to achieve a first ascent in the region around the Lemaire Channel. while at the same time, to fulfill the goals of the other team members. This balance will be an interesting exercise in group dynamics.       Our landfall in Antarctica is 5 miles off the eastern tip of Smith Island. Our hope is to sail past the route we achieved on Mount Foster in 1996 before continuing south, either to Deception Island or Melchior Islands (weather dependant).       We also are hopeful for wildlife encounters and photo opps, personal contact with the environs, visiting sites of historical interest. Antarctica is a photographers' paradise, for the professional or the amateur. However we stress that this is an expedition style cruise. Our actual program will vary to take best advantage of local conditions, spontaneous opportunities and wildlife. There is always an element of the unexpected. Antarctic Peninsula Depending on the weather, we will first approach Antarctica near the South Shetland Islands. We will pass by historic Smith Island, which is the outer limit of the South Shetlands.       A host of choices is now open to us, and depending on the ice and weather conditions the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula is ours to explore. This is the advantage of having such an experienced crew, who have made previous journeys to this area. We are always keen to explore new territory, so if the opportunity arises, we will! Sometimes we will cruise along spectacular ice cliffs, or follow whales that are feeding near the surface. In these cases we will appreciate the distinct advantage of being on a small vessel, which gives us the opportunity to experience these very special close encounters with wildlife. There are many exciting places that we would like to visit. A sample of these follows: Deception Island Visiting Deception Island is like making a journey to the moon. We enter the volcanic crater, on board the ship, through the narrow opening of Neptune's Bellows. Inside is an unworldly scene, virtually devoid of life. Glaciers flow down from the edge of the crater, littered by black volcanic ash. Paradise Bay A protected bay surrounded by magnificent peaks and spectacular glaciers. Rocky cliffs provide perfect nesting sites for Blue-eyed Shags, terns and gulls. The serenity of Paradise Bay envelopes once the sound of the anchor dropping fades from our ears. This is a haven for whales and sometimes we meet humpbacks and minkes as we explore the bay in Zodiacs. Imagine being so close to a whale that when he surfaces to blow, your vision is momentarily blurred by the fishy spray of his exhalation. Lemaire Channel If the ice conditions allow, standing on the bow of Northanger and quietly moving through the narrow Lemaire Channel will be one of the highlights of our voyage. Cliffs tower 700 metres directly above the ship. The water is so still that perfect reflections are mirrored on the surface. Gigantic icebergs often clog the channel, creating interesting navigation challenges. Neumayer Channel & Port Lockroy Passing between the soaring cliffs of the breathtaking Neumayer Channel, we will arrive at one of Antarctica's most exciting anchorages: Port Lockroy. During World War II, the British set up base here, to protect interests in the Southern Ocean and though abandoned, the base has recently been restored. Nearby we'll visit a large gentoo rookery and we'll also see blue-eyed shags (cormorants), and witness sad reminders of past whaling activities.