Dr Lesley Russell
@lrussellwolpe.bsky.social
Health policy wonk, political tragic, hiking & skiing nut.
Sydney 🇦🇺 and Keystone 🇺🇸
Sydney 🇦🇺 and Keystone 🇺🇸
Our very recent visit to South Georgia #ShackeltonFootsteps confirmed this sad toll. So far only elephant seals affected. V strong bioprotection procedures in place for visitors - no lying, sitting, bags on ground and disinfection of boots & poles on return to boat.
November 24, 2025 at 10:38 PM
Our very recent visit to South Georgia #ShackeltonFootsteps confirmed this sad toll. So far only elephant seals affected. V strong bioprotection procedures in place for visitors - no lying, sitting, bags on ground and disinfection of boots & poles on return to boat.
Arriving into Ushuaia in the early morning. A lovely end to a glorious Antarctic #ShackeltonFootsteps adventure. Thanks for following along.
November 20, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Arriving into Ushuaia in the early morning. A lovely end to a glorious Antarctic #ShackeltonFootsteps adventure. Thanks for following along.
Sailing round Cape Horn with alternating sunshine and rain and moderate seas.
November 19, 2025 at 8:40 PM
Sailing round Cape Horn with alternating sunshine and rain and moderate seas.
Last day at sea; we disembark tomorrow at Ushuaia. We are mesmerised by sea birds, including albatross, constantly around the ship (impossible to photograph with phone). In a few hours we will sail within 3 nautical miles of Cape Horn, then go on to enter the Beagle Channel.
#ShackeltonFootsteps
#ShackeltonFootsteps
November 19, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Last day at sea; we disembark tomorrow at Ushuaia. We are mesmerised by sea birds, including albatross, constantly around the ship (impossible to photograph with phone). In a few hours we will sail within 3 nautical miles of Cape Horn, then go on to enter the Beagle Channel.
#ShackeltonFootsteps
#ShackeltonFootsteps
Halfway back from South Georgia to Ushuaia. A busy day with talks, photo competition and just a little work in preparation for return to the real world. Surprisingly calm seas now giving way to promised storm. #ShackeltonFootsteps
November 17, 2025 at 7:25 PM
Halfway back from South Georgia to Ushuaia. A busy day with talks, photo competition and just a little work in preparation for return to the real world. Surprisingly calm seas now giving way to promised storm. #ShackeltonFootsteps
Here is link to original article
www.nature.com/articles/s42...
And my photos from just a few days ago on beach at St Andrews Bay. It's sometimes difficult to tell if elephant seals are dead or alive - until they charge in anger at other seals, birds or you!
www.nature.com/articles/s42...
And my photos from just a few days ago on beach at St Andrews Bay. It's sometimes difficult to tell if elephant seals are dead or alive - until they charge in anger at other seals, birds or you!
November 16, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Here is link to original article
www.nature.com/articles/s42...
And my photos from just a few days ago on beach at St Andrews Bay. It's sometimes difficult to tell if elephant seals are dead or alive - until they charge in anger at other seals, birds or you!
www.nature.com/articles/s42...
And my photos from just a few days ago on beach at St Andrews Bay. It's sometimes difficult to tell if elephant seals are dead or alive - until they charge in anger at other seals, birds or you!
It's goodbye to the wonderful Antarctic / subAntarctic regions as we leave South Georgia for three days of sailing through rough seas back to Ushuaia.
#ShackeltonFootsteps
#ShackeltonFootsteps
November 16, 2025 at 12:17 PM
It's goodbye to the wonderful Antarctic / subAntarctic regions as we leave South Georgia for three days of sailing through rough seas back to Ushuaia.
#ShackeltonFootsteps
#ShackeltonFootsteps
More photos from Leith - Stromless hike. You can just see us coming down the screen slope to the beach, patrolled by angry sea lions.
Also a photo of where Shackelton et al came down and the waterfall they climbed down. Sadly too much snow meant we could not do this hike.
Also a photo of where Shackelton et al came down and the waterfall they climbed down. Sadly too much snow meant we could not do this hike.
November 15, 2025 at 8:18 PM
More photos from Leith - Stromless hike. You can just see us coming down the screen slope to the beach, patrolled by angry sea lions.
Also a photo of where Shackelton et al came down and the waterfall they climbed down. Sadly too much snow meant we could not do this hike.
Also a photo of where Shackelton et al came down and the waterfall they climbed down. Sadly too much snow meant we could not do this hike.
This afternoon some of us hiked from Leith whaling station over tussocked Hills and shale slopes to Stromness whaling station. Seals hiding in the tussocks were a threat. Glorious weather, great views.
#ShackeltonFootsteps
#ShackeltonFootsteps
November 15, 2025 at 8:13 PM
This afternoon some of us hiked from Leith whaling station over tussocked Hills and shale slopes to Stromness whaling station. Seals hiding in the tussocks were a threat. Glorious weather, great views.
#ShackeltonFootsteps
#ShackeltonFootsteps
And of course there was a wedding to attend in the tiny Grytviken Church! The bride wore hiking boots.
Then we all went off to toast The Boss at his grave. #ShackeltonFootsteps
Then we all went off to toast The Boss at his grave. #ShackeltonFootsteps
November 15, 2025 at 3:23 PM
And of course there was a wedding to attend in the tiny Grytviken Church! The bride wore hiking boots.
Then we all went off to toast The Boss at his grave. #ShackeltonFootsteps
Then we all went off to toast The Boss at his grave. #ShackeltonFootsteps
A fun morning exploring the history of Grytviken. The South Georgia Heritage Trust is doing an amazing job of environmental protection and historical preservation. #ShackeltonFootsteps
November 15, 2025 at 2:39 PM
A fun morning exploring the history of Grytviken. The South Georgia Heritage Trust is doing an amazing job of environmental protection and historical preservation. #ShackeltonFootsteps
Absolutely amazing, awe-inspiring.
November 15, 2025 at 9:51 AM
Absolutely amazing, awe-inspiring.
Good morning from Grytviken, South Georgia.
We are here to explore the whaling history, pay homage at the graves of Shackelton and Wild - and there's a wedding! Two of our fellow explorers are getting married in the little church and we are all invited! #ShackeltonFootsteps
We are here to explore the whaling history, pay homage at the graves of Shackelton and Wild - and there's a wedding! Two of our fellow explorers are getting married in the little church and we are all invited! #ShackeltonFootsteps
November 15, 2025 at 9:34 AM
Good morning from Grytviken, South Georgia.
We are here to explore the whaling history, pay homage at the graves of Shackelton and Wild - and there's a wedding! Two of our fellow explorers are getting married in the little church and we are all invited! #ShackeltonFootsteps
We are here to explore the whaling history, pay homage at the graves of Shackelton and Wild - and there's a wedding! Two of our fellow explorers are getting married in the little church and we are all invited! #ShackeltonFootsteps
Remains of a glorious day at Cumberland Bay, South Georgia Island. The Neumyer Glacier here is retreating very fast.
#ShackeltonFootsteps
#ShackeltonFootsteps
November 14, 2025 at 11:44 PM
Remains of a glorious day at Cumberland Bay, South Georgia Island. The Neumyer Glacier here is retreating very fast.
#ShackeltonFootsteps
#ShackeltonFootsteps
As we ate lunch (ravenous after trip to penguin rookery at St Andrews Bay) sailed to Godthul for zodiac trip to Rookery Point (gentoos, albatrosses, terns). Back via Cobblers Cove (blocked by an iceberg). Currently en route to Cumberland Bay. #ShackeltonFootsteps
November 14, 2025 at 7:10 PM
As we ate lunch (ravenous after trip to penguin rookery at St Andrews Bay) sailed to Godthul for zodiac trip to Rookery Point (gentoos, albatrosses, terns). Back via Cobblers Cove (blocked by an iceberg). Currently en route to Cumberland Bay. #ShackeltonFootsteps
Photos from St Andrews Bay, South Georgia Island #ShackeltonFootsteps
November 14, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Photos from St Andrews Bay, South Georgia Island #ShackeltonFootsteps
Despite choppy seas and high winds we were able to go ashore af St Andrews Bay. King penguins everywhere! Along with some very grumpy elephant seals and a few fur seals. Sadly, evidence of H5N1 bird flu infections in elephant seals.
Lots of photos! #ShackeltonFootsteps
Lots of photos! #ShackeltonFootsteps
November 14, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Despite choppy seas and high winds we were able to go ashore af St Andrews Bay. King penguins everywhere! Along with some very grumpy elephant seals and a few fur seals. Sadly, evidence of H5N1 bird flu infections in elephant seals.
Lots of photos! #ShackeltonFootsteps
Lots of photos! #ShackeltonFootsteps
Good morning from St Andrews Bay, South Georgia Island. Looks like fresh snow overnight but weather now clearing, maybe sunshine. Preparing to go ashore - lots of penguins.
November 14, 2025 at 10:17 AM
Good morning from St Andrews Bay, South Georgia Island. Looks like fresh snow overnight but weather now clearing, maybe sunshine. Preparing to go ashore - lots of penguins.
Lunch at Possession Bay, named by Captain Cook when he claimed South Georgia for Britain in 1775. Surrounded by glaciers and suddenly the weather has turned. Wind at 50 knots - it's a whiteout. So now headed to Fortuna Bay looking for calmer waters.
November 13, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Lunch at Possession Bay, named by Captain Cook when he claimed South Georgia for Britain in 1775. Surrounded by glaciers and suddenly the weather has turned. Wind at 50 knots - it's a whiteout. So now headed to Fortuna Bay looking for calmer waters.
Zodiac cruise of Prince Olaf Harbour, once a major whaling station, now home to lots of elephant seals, clustered around the shore - the bull and his harem and lots of pups.
#ShackeltonFootsteps
#ShackeltonFootsteps
November 13, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Zodiac cruise of Prince Olaf Harbour, once a major whaling station, now home to lots of elephant seals, clustered around the shore - the bull and his harem and lots of pups.
#ShackeltonFootsteps
#ShackeltonFootsteps
Salisbury Plain, South Georgia. We hiked 4km across tussock grass (hiding seal, sealions, terns). By February this area will be so crowded w wildlife that shore landings won't be possible. Concerns about bird flu, 14 areas closed on SGI, elsewhere, like here, expeditions report findings.
November 13, 2025 at 11:10 AM
Salisbury Plain, South Georgia. We hiked 4km across tussock grass (hiding seal, sealions, terns). By February this area will be so crowded w wildlife that shore landings won't be possible. Concerns about bird flu, 14 areas closed on SGI, elsewhere, like here, expeditions report findings.
A 3:30am wakeup call for 4:00am zodiac trip to Salisbury Plain - largest penguin colony on South Georgia. Lots of king & gentoo penguins (moulting), seals + pups, sealions (aggressive). Seas calm but a steady rain. #ShackeltonFootsteps
November 13, 2025 at 11:04 AM
A 3:30am wakeup call for 4:00am zodiac trip to Salisbury Plain - largest penguin colony on South Georgia. Lots of king & gentoo penguins (moulting), seals + pups, sealions (aggressive). Seas calm but a steady rain. #ShackeltonFootsteps
Good morning from South Georgia Island! Up at 3:30am for 4:00am zodiac to Salisbury Plain, biggest penguin colony on SGI. In Feb this will be too crowded w wildlife to land. Lots of king & gentoo penguins (moulting), seals + pups, sea lions (aggressive). Calm seas but rain. #ShackeltonFootsteps
November 13, 2025 at 9:58 AM
Good morning from South Georgia Island! Up at 3:30am for 4:00am zodiac to Salisbury Plain, biggest penguin colony on SGI. In Feb this will be too crowded w wildlife to land. Lots of king & gentoo penguins (moulting), seals + pups, sea lions (aggressive). Calm seas but rain. #ShackeltonFootsteps
Plan was then to zodiac in to Cape Rosa where the James Caird first landed 16 day trip from Elephant Is. Here they feasted on albatross before seeking better shelter at Pegetty Bluff. Sadly worsening weather prevented us from visiting this tiny cove.
November 12, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Plan was then to zodiac in to Cape Rosa where the James Caird first landed 16 day trip from Elephant Is. Here they feasted on albatross before seeking better shelter at Pegetty Bluff. Sadly worsening weather prevented us from visiting this tiny cove.
More photos from Pegetty Bluff.
#ShackeltonFootsteps
#ShackeltonFootsteps
November 12, 2025 at 7:14 PM
More photos from Pegetty Bluff.
#ShackeltonFootsteps
#ShackeltonFootsteps