The penguins are noisy, the people fantastic - what it takes to be an Antarctic postmaster
George Clarke is returning to Antarctica for his third season as the postmaster at Port Lockroy, the world's most southerly post office. He manages mail processing for the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust while living among a colony of gentoo penguins.
Why it matters
This human-interest story highlights unique conservation efforts and the logistical challenges of maintaining remote scientific and cultural outposts.
Image source, UK Antarctic Heritage Trust Image caption, George Clarke is returning for his third stint at Port Lockroy
It is hardly a typical round for a postie, but for five months of the year George Clarke leaves behind his partner and friends in Bristol to become a postmaster at the world's most southerly post office - in Antarctica.
"I thought it sounded like an amazing experience - living away from home for a few months on a very small island with five other people and 1,000 penguins," says Clarke.
He takes up his role as Port Lockroy postmaster from late October to March, during the southern hemisphere summer.
The part-time festival worker and artist says his days are spent sorting postcards, processing letters and arranging for the post to hitch a ride north on passing ships before being distributed around the world.
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