Leaving home, we had two worries keeping us up nights and wondering if we’d done the right thing in going on this trip. Now that we’ve crossed the dreaded Drake Passage, and now that we’ve clambered into and out of the zodiac boat without bodily damage or badly bruised egos, both of our worries have been put to rest. The rest of the trip should be a piece of cake.
We arrived at Discovery Bay, Antarctica pretty much on schedule – 1 PM. (BTW, I misspoke in my Feb 2 blog. Astrolabe is tomorrow, not today.)
Starting midmorning we saw a parade of ice bergs, many bigger than a house and some not big enough to cool your favorite imbibition.Click, click, click went the camera.
The expedition du jour (del día since we’re in the part of Antarctica claimed by Argentina) was a ride in a zodiac to get up close and personal with the shore line. We donned all our expedition gear: a base layer, a middle layer, topped of with waterproof jacket and pants plus boots that come halfway up the calf. Not bad considering air temps in the low thirties. There was a fair wind blowing and of course wind from the zodiac’s movement. The big deal was that when the zodiac hit a wave, which was often, we were treated to a face full of Antarctic sea water.
Actually, our zodiac driver told us that the wind and wave conditions were at the edge of their go-no go point. In fact, some zodiac trips were called back early and other trips after ours were canceled. We didn’t see many signs of wild life, but our expedition leader told us, “don’t worry, you’ll see lots and lots of penguins soon enough.
I won’t try to describe what we saw; I’ll let the pictures do the talking. The ice formation, both on the island and Discovery Bay, are spectacular.
We did dinner in the restaurant, attended a lecture from the guest historian who talked about the evolution of sailing craft, leading up to today’s expedition ships, including the Octanis. Then a BBC movie about Antarctica wild life. Now you know why I finked out on the blog last night. The other problem is that I’m taking way too many pictures.
Tomorrow, Astrolabe Island and two expeditions, one the Special Operations Boat and the second a zodiac landing on the island.
I’m sure they told you the “blue” ice is the old ice. Nice adventure amid the ice bergs! Loving the pictures, keep them coming!
Thanks! They don’t like to use the term “old” since that term applies to most of Viking ‘s customer base.
Nope. Don’t wanna. We have been to Alaska and thought those icebergs and glaciers were something, but this is unbelievable. My favorite picture is the gull on the very interesting rocks, followed by your very fashionable couture. Question, do you actually set foot on Antarctica. Please be safe. Hugs. Carol
Hi Carol. Yes we’ve had comments. Much appreciated. In one hour we’re taking the zodiac to set foot on the continent proper
Trouble leaving comments. Have you gotten any? Love your fashionable couture. Hugs. Carol
What an amazing adventure you are having. I love reading the daily posts! It’s breathtaking.
Thanks, Audra. Every day seems to be more breathtaking than the last. Today it was humpback whales and gigantic icebergs floating by our stateroom window.