The Antarctic Circle
We made it! Today, the Endeavour passed through latitude 66° 33.6S - the Antarctic Circle! From this point south all locations experience at least one day of complete daylight at the Austral Summer Solstice, which was yesterday.
We crossed the (imaginary) line at about 9:00 AM and, as we did, sounded the ships horn. This somewhat drowned out the shout of “Emperor Penguin” that went up at the same time. A lively scene of chaos ensued, as we scrambled for a view. However, there was no need to hurry and a semblance of order was restored as, once again, our Captain and officers did a superb job of maneuvering the ship into prime position and we were able to enjoy great views of the bird, pictured above. The bird was an immature, identified by the pale-whitish throat and ear patch.
The Emperor is the eighth penguin species seen during this expedition. It is the largest of all penguins, weighing in at up to 45 kg and standing one metre tall. An Antarctic specialist, the males endure an amazing two month incubation of the single egg in one stint. As if this fast wasn’t tough enough, they do it during the Antarctic winter. To reach this stage, our bird has had to survive some of the harshest conditions on the planet.
A double celebration ensued, and we set off for the stunning setting of Lallemand Fjord where we made an afternoon landing on Detaille Island. There we explored an abandoned British Antarctic Survey station. Built in 1956, the base was abandoned in haste when a ship arrived to rescue a field party that had been iced-in in 1971/72. The buildings are filled with an intriguing selection of old equipment and stores left behind in the rush to leave.
In rising winds and choppy seas we returned to the Endeavour, well satisfied with another day of extraordinary experiences.
We made it! Today, the Endeavour passed through latitude 66° 33.6S - the Antarctic Circle! From this point south all locations experience at least one day of complete daylight at the Austral Summer Solstice, which was yesterday.
We crossed the (imaginary) line at about 9:00 AM and, as we did, sounded the ships horn. This somewhat drowned out the shout of “Emperor Penguin” that went up at the same time. A lively scene of chaos ensued, as we scrambled for a view. However, there was no need to hurry and a semblance of order was restored as, once again, our Captain and officers did a superb job of maneuvering the ship into prime position and we were able to enjoy great views of the bird, pictured above. The bird was an immature, identified by the pale-whitish throat and ear patch.
The Emperor is the eighth penguin species seen during this expedition. It is the largest of all penguins, weighing in at up to 45 kg and standing one metre tall. An Antarctic specialist, the males endure an amazing two month incubation of the single egg in one stint. As if this fast wasn’t tough enough, they do it during the Antarctic winter. To reach this stage, our bird has had to survive some of the harshest conditions on the planet.
A double celebration ensued, and we set off for the stunning setting of Lallemand Fjord where we made an afternoon landing on Detaille Island. There we explored an abandoned British Antarctic Survey station. Built in 1956, the base was abandoned in haste when a ship arrived to rescue a field party that had been iced-in in 1971/72. The buildings are filled with an intriguing selection of old equipment and stores left behind in the rush to leave.
In rising winds and choppy seas we returned to the Endeavour, well satisfied with another day of extraordinary experiences.
