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This story is based on a research trip from New Zealand to Antarctica. It’s a leap into the unknown and a story about real connections. Based on my own experience, this story captures the spell-binding landscape of East Antarctica - the 24-hour sun that circulates above you, the roaring of the ice when a crevasse in formed on the ice shelf, the undulating I’ve waves created by the breaking up of the sea ice and the mammoth view of Mount Erebus volcano. I will also evoke emotion from the human connections made whilst camping on the Ross Ice shelf. The training took team work, courage, trust, vulnerability and sheer confidence to ensure everyone was looking out for one another. At Christmas time this also meant we had only each other to entertain ourselves and reflected a teaching told by the Maouris before we left New Zealand. “The landscape will capture your mind and sense of adventure, but through the loneliness and silence, the people with capture your heart. The people, the people, the people”. This embodies much of my experience there and there are many stories to tell, which will present it. Two camp mates fell ill and we had to make the decision to call out emergency help, meaning their time on the ice was over. Over researchers froze on their way up Castle Rock, hanging off the edge with clouds below - we had to pull together to combat panic attacks, delirium, exhaustion and signs of hypothermia and frost bite. This is a story of friendship, trust, courage and ultimately our place on this earth. We are mere specks of dust and yet, we are the only species alive with the consciousness and potential to protect the future of the planet. We are extraordinary. I want to evoke the awe inspiring sights of Antarctica that stop you in your tracks and leave you breathless.