Sometimes, even on a vacation, you need a day of rest. An at-sea travel day for the guests and crew aboard was welcome after an exciting first week in Antarctica. We have had the good fortune of a calm and following sea as we head east towards South Georgia for our next adventure. As we enjoy the comforts of the ship, we are reminded that we are following in the wake of Shackelton’s expedition one hundred years ago. However, they crossed these same waters with far fewer supplies and, unlike us, a much smaller chance of reaching the destination.
Days like this are ideal for poring over the thousands of pictures taken so far—sharing them with one another and choosing the right ones to send home. They’re also perfect for hot tea and a good book, with the ocean passing by outside. Or for digesting all that has happened so far, making room to take in new adventures to come.
For the active among us, daily stretches and the exercise room are welcome. And to keep our minds ever-active we enjoyed lectures by naturalists on upcoming South Georgia and the ubiquitous Antarctic krill. After of all the physical and mental activity, we are relieved to be so well fed all day long, from nutritious breakfast smorgasbords to delicious buffet lunches to that perfect Pacific salmon filet for dinner.
All afternoon and into the evening a wandering albatross followed the ship. Although we have been visited by cape petrels and giant petrels throughout the day, it is always also a blessing to be followed by this extraordinary creature.
