November 27th 2024.
As the famous Scottish comedian Billy Connolly once quipped, "There are two seasons in Scotland: June and winter." While Scotland's unpredictable weather may often be the subject of jokes, for one adventurous Edinburgh woman, it has been a crucial part of her journey towards the experience of a lifetime.
Meet Maggie Coll, a 31-year-old outdoor enthusiast who is about to embark on a 9,000-mile journey to Antarctica. Her mission? To spend five months counting penguins as a member of a small crew for the Antarctic Heritage Trust. She will be stationed at Port Lockroy, operating the world's southernmost post office and keeping a close eye on the colony of over 1,000 gentoo penguins.
Maggie's love for animals and the great outdoors has been ingrained in her since childhood. "One of my earliest memories as a child was going on walks and being surrounded by nature with my family of five," she shares. "But it wasn't until recently, during the pandemic, that I started going on longer walks with friends and truly realized how much the outdoors means to me."
Never in her wildest dreams did Maggie imagine that one day she would have the opportunity to monitor penguins in Antarctica. "I am still pinching myself," she admits with a smile.
Living and working on the football-pitch-sized Goudier Island, Maggie will have to bid farewell to her home comforts and make do with just one small box of personal items, including her favorite games, books, photos, and treats. For the next five months, she will have to adapt to the unpredictable weather, near-constant daylight, sub-zero temperatures, and her new neighbors – the penguins. She will also have to get used to living without running water or a flushing toilet.
Joining Maggie on this incredible journey are her team members – base leader Lou Hoskin, museum manager Aoife McKenna, shop manager Dale Ellis, and postmaster George Clarke. Together, they will be responsible for managing the world's southernmost post office, gift shop, and living museum – a tribute to the early climate scientists who once lived on the Antarctic Peninsula.
In addition to their daily tasks, the team will also handle the thousands of postcards sent from Port Lockroy each year. Meanwhile, the Wildlife Monitor will closely monitor the gentoo penguins, counting nests, eggs, and chicks as part of a study to protect and preserve the colony.
"I don't think anything can truly prepare you for Antarctica," Maggie says, "but I'm hoping that my experiences with the Scottish wind and ever-changing weather conditions in the hills have given me some insight into what to expect. I'm definitely packing all my thermals!"
But what Maggie is most excited about is getting to see the penguins up close. "The fact that we get to witness their breeding season is just incredible," she gushes. "And being able to monitor them for an extended period of time is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I'm also looking forward to seeing the stunning scenery – the massive glaciers and icebergs. It's going to be out of this world."
For someone who has worked seasonal jobs abroad, being away from home is not new to Maggie. However, she admits that she will miss her family, friends, and her dog during this adventure.
A self-proclaimed lover of travel and exploration, Maggie took a two-year career break to travel to Canada and Australia. Her fascination with the polar regions led her to apply for the role at Port Lockroy, which she describes as "an incredible opportunity." "I was inspired by an old colleague who went to work in Antarctica," she shares. "And I've been following the amazing conservation work of the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust for years. When I saw the job openings earlier this year, I knew I had to apply. I couldn't believe my luck when I was selected, and I am absolutely thrilled to be joining them on this journey to Antarctica."
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