One small step for me, one giant leap for a penguin.

Today, I’m lost for words. I set foot on Antarctic land for the first time in my life. Just one little step off the boat, and there I was: In Antarctica. Surrounded by a colony of gentoo penguins, near enough for me to make them out clearly with my binoculars as they waddled across the rocky terrain, and otherwise nothing but whiteness. Plus, well, a few Antarctic skuas preying on the colony’s young or the eggs; a few of those marvellously elegant Antartic terns; and 100 of our guests. The reason I am sure there were 100 is because the Antarctic Treaty – a treaty signed by 52 nations with the aim of protecting this unique ecosystem – does not allow a greater number of visitors on land at this site at any given time.

I spent several hours observing birds and people, and was more than grateful for my warm, rain-and-snow-proof gear and this unbelievable opportunity to work in such an incredible place.