Seeing the snow covered mountains and glaciers from the water level is amazing. The bay was full of ice chips and icebergs. We even saw an iceberg flip upside down. As you can see the icebergs and glaciers give off a blue hue because that is the color that is reflected from the ice. Getting close to the icebergs, they are clear ice at spots.
Our zodiac driver was Ken. He is one of the naturalist on board the Corinthian. He was able to stop when he saw things to point out. At one point he saw a jelly fish.
At another spot he pointed out a nesting area of commorants on one of the cliffs. The fledglings in the nest were almost as big as the adults but their feathers are brown instead of the black and white.
We saw a small sailing ship in the bay and a big cruise liner. Ken explained that the big cruise ship had a thousand or more passengers and no zodiacs. That meant their passengers would never get to set foot on land or cruise the bays like we were doing.
After each excursion getting back on board has certain procedures. A crew member hoses your boots off and you have to step in disinfectant. Then their our folks that help you to get off your boots. It is quite a process. Most days we are having two excursions, so you can see this can take a while.
In the afternoon we headed by zodiac to Fort Lockroy. This was a British research station from 1944-1962. After being abandoned for thirty some years, the British government decided to reopen it up as a historical museum. One of the building was restored just like it had been during that time. There was also a gift shop. And as always there were lots and lots of penguins. It is the only place we were able to buy anything in Antarctica.
All in all, we had a very interesting day. Only one more day in Antartica before we head back north through the Drake Passage. But more about that tomorrow. I am considering taking the Polor Plunge at Deception Island. If not, it will be fun to watch the others!!!
It seems like most things on the continent are in black and white. Interesting place, like none other. I want Frank to take the plunge!! Bob
Pictures nice and clear. Must say I would not like to stay there that long. Interesting trip.
WOW what a great blog!! What’s the temp there? It looks cold!! Dori, you’ll never be there again so you better do the plunge!!!