Jan. 15
Being crazy busy today was an understatement. It all began about 4;30am when there was a shout from the deck that we were surrounded by whales. Everyone quickly put on warm clothes and for the next hour or so we were treated to observing whales. A warm breakfast followed and then Jim, Don and I headed out for an early morning kayak. The conditions were flat calm and serious clear. We passed by a cruise ship that had arrived and set anchor during the night.
Their activity for the cruise ship this morning must have been zooming participants to the penguin rookery that we had visited last night. It seemed somewhat chaotic as people were loading and unloading continuously. It made us quite happy to have visited this rookery last night where we were a party of 3. Soon though they were out of sight and it felt like we were back to being a very small group.
We passed by a rookery on the other side of the island. We were impressed with the ability of the penguins to make their way up cliff sides. Some have quite the climbing skills to get up so high.
Meanwhile the three of us are awestruck by the beauty of this spot. The reflections of the snow, rock and ice were photo worthy.
A picture perfect day.
As we were kayaking, the remaining crew members moved the boat closer to Dunco Island. Their fun began when they headed up a mountain with their sleds.
If they had been penguins, they could have used the penguins highway,
There was quite a maze of trails to get to the top. The hikers had to make their own and got to posthole which made for some slow hiking.
The sledders said it was worth it as it was a very long and fast ride to the bottom.
Meanwhile the penguins just carry on their life of going to the ocean, feeding and heading back up to their nests.
We all joined up back on the beach and watched a group of penguins that were quite interested in checking Ryan out.
No rules were broken as the penguins did all of the approaching.
The Snowy Sheathbill is checking out its shadow. The sheathbill is known for cleaning up the penguin colonies. They can be seen waddling thru rookeries and and cleaning up penguin scat. They are also quite curious and will walk right up to you. They do not have webbed feet so they avoid getting in the water.
With kayaking and sledding complete it is time to move to our next destination. We are headed to Paradise Bay. We soon discover that it is going to be a very slow passage as we are encountering lots of ice.
We take turns being in the bow of the boat to push the ice away.
During our voyage today we hear Pan-Pan come over the radio. We listen intently and discover that it is a tsunami warning. There has been an earthquake and it may effect us. Fortunately there wasn’t but it did make us realize that we are on our own and we have no control over the elements.
We finally set anchor and Ryan and Jamie decide that today would be a good day to take on the polar plunge challenge. The sun is out so they prep for this activity by putting on their speedos.
On the count of three….
The challenge is over and it was a very rapid retreat back to the ladder.
Now it is time to get ready for the next activity. We are going to camp on the Antarctica Peninsula!
We gather our warm gear, tents and sleeping bags. Dinner is eaten and we are off!. A spot is chosen that will have some lingering sunlight. Ryan, Beth, Jamie and Julia are the first boatload to head to the camping spot. It takes about 45 minutes to arrive to the site and upon arriving the first challenge is getting off the boat and making your way up the rather steep snow bank. Some steps are made to make it easier to get the gear to a flatter area. The first group scopes out some places for the four tents and by the time we arrive they have started to stomp out tent platforms. This activity is slowed as one needs to gaze at the surrounding area.
What a magical place.
Its a group effort to stomp out areas for our tents.
Ryan helps his parents.
We have used this tent in the Arctic and now we can say it also has been to Antarctica.
Ryan and Beth bury snow anchors for their tent.
A selfie of the campers!
One last look, before we head to our tents!
This day has been filled with memories.