The morning's activity was a Zodiac cruise in the vicinity of Plenau Island, We didn't go ashore, but saw some spectacular ice formations and lots of seals and a few penguins.
On most other days, the Zodiacs dropped us off on shore, while the kayakers stayed in the water in a different location. Today, we toured the icebergs with the kayakers. The overcast skies with occasional sunlight made for some pretty spectacular pictures.
Although we didn't land, we did see lots of penguins (Gentoos) from the Zodiac
Here's are some shots that give you some perspective on the size of the icebergs.
And some stupid seal tricks....
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| A penguin considers the enormity of it all |
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| I think this is a Leopard seal |
And a few more icebergs:
After we returned to the ship, we sailed through the Lemaire Channel, which is one of the most scenic spots in Antarctica. Unfortunately, it clouded over, so it wasn't as spectacular as some of the other places, but I'm not complaining.
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| Entering the Lemaire Channel |
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| All hands on deck to view the Lemaire Channel |
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| A panoramic view of the channel |
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| Lunch outdoors while sailing the Lemaire channel |
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| A chilly tourist |
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| Another panoramic view |
After lunch, and before the afternoon excursion, we had another lecture, including the topic "Penguins From Space"!
The afternoon excursion was divided into two parts. Our first stop was
Palmer Station, a United States research station (and t-shirt shop). After that, we went to Torgerson Island, to see a few more penguins. The visit to Palmer Station was special, because they only allow one ship a month to visit.
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| General view of Palmer Station |
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| A drone used for undersea research |
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| Some krill used for research--this is what penguins eat |
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| Storage area at Palmer Station |
The weather at Palmer Station was as good as it got--sunny and about 55 degrees. This afforded one of the workers at the station to dress for the occasion:
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| I didn't really need the jacket (or the pants) |
Because we were the only guests at the station that month, the staff had a reception for us, and served (among other things), "the best brownies in Antarctica".
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| Brownies and coffee at Palmer Station |
Living conditions at Palmer Station were substantially better than those at Port Lockroy. About 50 people live there during the summer, and about 25 during the winter.
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| The kitchen at Palmer Station |
We did discover that the Palmer Station staff actually cheat and use hand warmers:
After leaving Palmer Station, we headed across the strait/bay to Torgerson Island.
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| Torgerson Island welcoming committee awaits us |
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| Adelie penguins |
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| ...and Adelie chicks |
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| You lookin' at me? |
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| Yes, it was that warm--for me, at least |
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| Keeping an eye on Palmer Station |
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| Penguin City |
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| Add caption |
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| Nothing in particular--I just liked the picture |
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| Skua attack! (No animals were harmed) |
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| Meanwhile, the Argentine navy is still following us around.... |
After we returned to the ship, it was time for the Polar Plunge, in which insane passengers jumped from the ship into 29-degree, ice-chunked water. We are not insane, and did not participate.
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| Participants saying their last goodbyes |
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| Staff photographers ready to record the occasion |
Here we (or they) go.....
Meanwhile, there was some nice late-afternoon scenery about:
And as if that weren't enough, a few Orca whales showed up:
And, as if
that weren't enough, it was now time for our Chocolate Festival:
After which we were forced to retire to the lounge and drink.
And gaze out the window at this:
Next:
Cierva Cove and Spert Island
