Paradise Bay
Color is a concept that humans are very good at discerning in the natural world, with our acute sense of sight; we live our lives telling the difference among the many thousands and thousands of subtle hues and shades. Something the brain begins to notice on the subconscious level and then openly is that Antarctica is one of those places where color is not in great quantity. Vast areas are white, black or multiple grays battling for suppression. There is the occasional spot of orange or pink among the feet or bill of the penguins, but the calm coloration of plants is missing on the white continent, or is it?
After a morning spent at Booth Island in windy snow blown conditions the Endeavour moved through the amazing Lemaire Channel and north to Paradise Bay, along the peninsula, where an armada of small yellow water craft were released. The kayaks were a great way to explore the ice strewn bay and have the chance to see the shags, gentoo penguins, and simple grandeur of this quiet setting. In the background are some of the only other natural color of the Antarctic. The mosses and lichens of the rocks stand in stark contrast to the solemn sight of the dark cliffs. The presence of these simple life forms surviving in this austere environment are a testament to the ability of nature. The lines of green, orange, and yellow were a reminder of the life that dominates the other continents. Along with our red, blue and yellow a veritable rainbow to enjoy.
Once we return to South America, many of us will marvel at simple trees once again. When we do return, however, to our home continent we will think back to the colorless yet amazing landscape that is Antarctica.
Color is a concept that humans are very good at discerning in the natural world, with our acute sense of sight; we live our lives telling the difference among the many thousands and thousands of subtle hues and shades. Something the brain begins to notice on the subconscious level and then openly is that Antarctica is one of those places where color is not in great quantity. Vast areas are white, black or multiple grays battling for suppression. There is the occasional spot of orange or pink among the feet or bill of the penguins, but the calm coloration of plants is missing on the white continent, or is it?
After a morning spent at Booth Island in windy snow blown conditions the Endeavour moved through the amazing Lemaire Channel and north to Paradise Bay, along the peninsula, where an armada of small yellow water craft were released. The kayaks were a great way to explore the ice strewn bay and have the chance to see the shags, gentoo penguins, and simple grandeur of this quiet setting. In the background are some of the only other natural color of the Antarctic. The mosses and lichens of the rocks stand in stark contrast to the solemn sight of the dark cliffs. The presence of these simple life forms surviving in this austere environment are a testament to the ability of nature. The lines of green, orange, and yellow were a reminder of the life that dominates the other continents. Along with our red, blue and yellow a veritable rainbow to enjoy.
Once we return to South America, many of us will marvel at simple trees once again. When we do return, however, to our home continent we will think back to the colorless yet amazing landscape that is Antarctica.
