This morning I courageously left my daypack behind in favour of an alpine ascent of the buildings at KEP – some of the icy slopes to the ridge line were over 2000mm. I had to front point in my rigger boots and armed with my mop and squeegy I was able to quickly climb up the slippery face.

I had to overcome a rather scary looking elephant seal to get to the 100 + windows on base and remove a years worth of dirt. Without my trusty waterproof fleece lined gloves I would surely have succombed to frostbite. I staved off acute mountain sickness by stopping for a brief half hour gulping down a mug of Ribena. Luckily a bucket of vinegar and water made quick work of the windows and I still had some strength to eat a delicous wrap of chicken and salad for lunch.

The Hans Hansen the new vessel owned by Dion Poncet arrived today at KEP. There are only three expedition yachts coming this season including this vessel which looks to me a bit like Little Toot. Remember that cartoon?