Social whirl

We've had some busy days! things are starting to hot up (but not the
weather! still lots of wind and snow - we are digging feet of snow out
of the landing site every time a ship radios us to give warning that
they are about to arrive). But the hardest thing is combining the
meals,drinks and showers on board with work! We didn't know whether the
Nordnorge would come to visit as scheduled since they had been so active
in the Explorer rescue and deviated from their intended route. Then they
contacted us to ask if they could come the following day, in Explorer's
slot. But as before, we had a radio call after dinner to say they were
here in the bay, and would we like to come on board! Mmmm not a
difficult decision, even for me! It was lovely so many of the expedition
staff came over to collect us, and we were home again! So strange being
back on the Nordnorge, and sad to miss Tudor being there too. Then we
were offered the chance to stay overnight, and since the weather had
calmed down Rick said yes. Fantastic. We had a cabin each, and I was
wondering if I would be able to sleep on my own! Then after a great
shower - first for 10 days! (we had resorted to snow washes again over
the past few days) we adjourned to the bar. Captain Hansen came to join
us - he's an amazing man. The staff were all really exhausted after a
hard couple of days looking after the rescued passengers. It was
extraordinary to be on the ship so soon after the event, and very moving
listening to them talking about it. The Nordnorge were near by only
because they had changed their plans, and it still took them 4 hours
flat out to get there. We were amazed that the expedition leader on the
Explorer had the presence of mind in spite of what had just happened, to
ask Nordnorge to pass a message on to say hello to Rick and 'sorry about
your christmas presents - they are at the bottom of the sea!' So sadly
it's true! thanks for anyone who posted things to me, but I probably
won't get them unless you missed the first post! We had a chance to use
the internet - I saw my blog and Rachel's. Thanks James - for putting
the links in it and forwarding comments to me.

So we had a lovely breakfast on the Nordnorge, after actually not
sleeping all that well - we are not used to the humming engines any
more. Then they popped us back on shore with just enough time to prepare
for the passengers. Oh my goodness the Endeavour want to come in today
too - we receive an email. They can see we have an empty slot on the
schedule. They are delayed so we have dinner on board and then an
evening landing. We have a tilley lamp on in the shop which makes a
great atmosphere. They shop well - it always helps if we have been on
board before hand - Rick does his Lockroy talk and promotes the
charitable nature of the shop, and Rachel and I model T shirts! We also
think that a couple of glasses of wine before the shopping helps us add
up faster - Rick is doubtful! We cash up, empty the postbox and cancel
stamps til midnight. Another long day!