Our group was first off today. Hooray you might think, but no it’s just the opposite.
We woke early, jumped up to open the curtains, only to reveal a wall of freezing fog. Opening the varandah door didn’t make any difference other that to reduce the room temperature rapidly. Coincidentally Iggy came on the tannoy to announce that the ship had had a slow passage and we were running late.
Our 08:00 Zodiac tour was delayed by 30 minutes, but when we hit the water it was clear we weren’t necessarily going to see much. It was, however, a fabulously spooky experience to head off into the thickest blanket of fog, a bit like a Scooby Doo moment, if you get the comparison.
We went to various islands which are protected so it wasn’t possible to land, todays experience is all about watching not touching. Despite the dense fog we got to see Adelie penguins, white or snow petrels, kelp gulls and elephant seals. Unfortunately it wasn’t ideal for photography so we didn’t get much opportunity to record the sightings. (I’ve slightly enhanced a few so you can get a flavour.)
We returned to hear that all the kyacking had been cancelled again and the other Zodiacs were delayed. Luckily for the next group the fog lifted and they got a great tour, after that it came and went so people’s sightings were extremely variable.
On our return we hit the deck and did our entire 10 miles, stopping only st 5 for a short break and gluwein. The views as we walked changed so often and the amazing nearby mountains revealed themselves albeit briefly. Afterwards was perfect for a lazy soak in the jacuzzi and pool although the former was a tad too hot for me and the latter cooler than expected by hey ho! etc.
The evenings briefing was delayed too, but we enjoyed the presentation and photographic tour of the Palmer Station by one of our team who is a regular scientist there.
After we returned to dress for dinner, went to the MDR for lamb and venison (both excellent) and then on to an operatic performance from a husband and wife duo.
Walking back, I suggested we donned our cold-weather gear and check outside. Good job we did as we experienced an enormous iceberg close by and shortly afterwards three humpbacks feeding and occasionally breaching (when they dive, and the tail goes up.)
As yet impossible to share as we have no internet in this location but if you’re reading this then the photos will also be available.
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