Paul from the Antarctic
Tipper went for his first tour of duty in the autumn of 2001, escaping from the last stages of foot and mouth and from his employer Sam. All did not go according to plan. Like all BAS employees he flew to the Falklands from were he sailed to the Antarctic. He sailed on the Shackleton and kept in touch by email which is transmitted twice per day by satellite. You can see what happened to Tipper from some of his emails which are reprinted below.

Halley was on the news in the UK while Tipper was away. The ice broke up prematurely in the autumn of 2001 and a colony of newly born Emporer penguins were unable to survive the sea so were lost. It was this unexpected breaking up of the ice which also led to many of the troubles experienced by Tipper. Read on...

23rd November 2001
Having a great time. Went to Bird Island yesterday. The sights were fantastic - fur seals by the hundreds at very close quarters. Sailing to south Georgia next, then down to Halley, the BAS base in Antarctica. Weather has not been too bad so far but it is still like a roller coaster. Approx 4 weeks left on board if we don't get stuck in ice. Beer 50p and cigs £1 a pack. Better get back to the bar - keep in touch
All the best
Tipper

1st December 2001
Just left South Georgia. Had a fantastic time. Had a six hour walk yesterday to see a breeding penguin colony. Also saw the first helicopter to be shot down in Argentine war. Next stop Halley. There is a rumour that the sea ice has broken out where we unload so we will have to find a different place to off-load which means a long drive to base with emergency supplies in case weather turns bad. Getting more used to the ship now thank god. Thank you for keeping everyone informed. Will email you soon to give you progress report. Thanks for your email. Keep sending them
Bye for now
Paul

3rd December 2001
Not sure about N9 yet but its very likely. The ship broke down today. Now on one engine - not too big a deal but we were in danger of loosing contents of freezers. It's a bit boring at the moment zigzagging back and forward surveying the sea bed. Never mind there is still plenty of beer. Hope every one is all right at KH. Is there any foot and mouth now?
Bye for now
Tipper

22nd December 2001
Thanks for the news from home. Nothing has changed down here. It's looking like we will be here for some time yet. We are not stuck but it is taking 25 tons of fuel a day to make very little progress. Never mind, at least I am getting paid for it. I think I am going to be allowed to use the ship's sat phone on Xmas day to ring parents. There is quit a lot of partying going on at the moment. Seasons greetings to everyone and have a great time.
All the best
Tipper

2nd January 2002
Hope you all had a good Xmas and New Year. We are sailing back to the Falklands now for more fuel so we can have a go at getting there again. I will be glad to put my feet on dry land again.Thanks for the card, it was brilliant. Tell everyone I was asking after them down the pub.
All the best
Tipper

16th January 2002
Had a great time in the Falklands. Got a fishing rod now so we went trout fishing. We caught 22 between the four of us, biggest four and a half pounds and it's not the best time of year yet. Going to try again in March when it's the sea trout season. We tried off the back of the ship as well and got approx. 80 mullet. Kept a few for tea and returned the rest. We are sailing again now to south G so now we have rods it will be fun to try there. This must be the longest journey to get to work I am ever likely to make but the best one. Hope you are all well and Stan wish you were here with rod in hand.
All the best
Tipper

31st January 2002
Its finally happerning. I am getting flown into Halley in a few minutes. We are about 140 miles away on the edge of the ice shelf 72.50 south 19.33 west. The twin otter is landing on the sea ice picking some of us up and then making cargo runs so it looks as though i am going to have to work after all. Hope you are all well
See you soon
Tipper