Antarctica - Dec 5th

Antarctica – Tuesday, December 5th

We were originally scheduled to take a ride on the Special Operations Boat.  However, since we were running a little late getting to our destination the SOB ride was postponed until tomorrow.  The zodiac landing was still scheduled.

The weather today was still hovering around 30 to 31 degrees Fahrenheit.  The sun was out and there was very little wind making the cold temperatures seem rather balmy.  Most of the people we spoke with thought they were very much overdressed.  The hike up the hill from the landing point became very hot.  Gigi and I both started to peel off individual articles of clothing.  The stocking caps, gloves, and gaiters were the first items to be shed.  We unzipped our inner jackets and outer shells.  This made us more comfortable but still a little warmer than we wanted to be.  The same temperature as yesterday, but without wind and with sunshine made for very different weather conditions.

We made our way to Damoy Point.  Damoy Point is home to a transit station.  A transit station was merely a temporary stopping point for scientists on their way from one place to another.  The hut is stocked with food, water, fuel, books, and tools.  There were also places to sleep.  The transit station provided all the comforts of home.  The original transit station was built in the 1950’s.  A newer transit station was built close by in the 1970’s.  Neither has been used since the 1990’s except for historical purposes.

There were a number of birds in the area.  We saw a Waddell seal that was basking in the sun.  Also present were several colonies of Gentoo penguins.  You could tell you were getting close to the nesting area by the aroma of fresh penguin droppings.

One little Gentoo, who we named Dave, followed us up the trail from the landing site to almost the top of the hill where additional colonies were nesting.  Dave had to take many more step than we did in order to make his way up the hill.  But he kept at it and made it up the hill.  Or at least as far up the his as he wanted to go.

Late in the day we saw two Orca, or killer whales.  Unfortunately they were too far away and in the sun’s reflection to get a decent picture.  Maybe next time they will be more cooperative.  I did manage to get one though.

An interesting phenomenon was noticed as we were making our way out of the somewhat secluded bay.  There were quite a few icebergs of varying sizes.  Some were as large as a ship while others were more the size of a basketball.  As expected the ship would steer around the larger icebergs.  However, if the iceberg were the size of a truck or car the ship would steer directly through them.  If they were close enough to the ship then they would be hit and if you were standing on or near the bow of the ship you could hear a resonant ‘CLANG’ when the shit hit them.  One of the other passengers asked me what the noise was.  When I told her that was us hitting icebergs it made her a little uncomfortable.  I think she was imagining ‘Titanic’.  When I pointed out the small icebergs that we were hitting she became a little less uneasy.

Following our excursion we were able to do a load of laundry and have a quick lunch.  Now it’s time to relax for the rest of the day.  Maybe I’ll treat myself and take a quick nap.  Okay, who am I kidding?  Of course I’ll take a quick nap.

Tomorrow will be another adventure.