As they turn North and head for home, they reflect on the spirit of place within the sites they have visited, how this experience has changed them, and what’s next on their journey as heritage kaitiaki (guardians). To help figure this out, they speak to James Blake, who followed Shackleton’s route across South Georgia on the first Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ 10 years ago, and went on to document finding the wreck of the Endurance.

The team consider the impact of climate change on the historic huts, and as they pack up, think about what they are most looking forward to about home.

When thick sea ice prevents the team from reaching Scott’s Discovery hut at 77 degrees South, it looks as though they will be unable to achieve their mission to return a historic book to its home on the Ice. They visit a vast penguin colony at Cape Bird while waiting to see if nature will clear a path, but time is running out. Will they make it?

Find out more about how Scott’s first Antarctic expedition and Shackleton’s Ross Sea Party used Discovery hut and how the Antarctic Heritage Trust approaches its conservation work to protect the historic huts.

In Shackleton’s hut at Cape Royds windows illuminate the interior with a soft glow, and the stove sits in the centre of the room, as if ready to boil the kettle. As the team explore, they experience a sense of goodwill and protection. Shackleton’s final act of nailing the key to the door as he left with an invitation welcoming those in need evokes a feeling of manaakitanga (hospitality, kindness, generosity, support).

The team explain the biosecurity requirements they undertake to protect Antarctica’s unique biodiversity, and make preparations for returning a historic artefact.