The Lemaire Channel & Penola Strait
Last night, Tim, our Expedition Leader, warned us that today we would have spectacular scenery, and he was SO right! We had an early morning wake-up call to alert us of our approach to the Lemaire Channel, and as we approached, the low clouds lifted. We were treated to towering cliffs plunging into inky black sea right beside the ship. The peaks, capped with a cornice of snow, were so close and so high that we had to crane our necks right back to look to the tops. Although we had sailed down "Iceberg Alley" the other day, it was no surprise to hear that this narrow channel has been called "Kodak Alley" given the number of pictures we all took.
The sun began to melt the clouds and highlight the western side of Booth Island, where the anchored ship was dwarfed by the jagged peaks right beside it. We had the opportunity to walk ashore, where the Oceanites research team, Aileen and Mike, had found a juvenile emperor penguin amongst all the brush-tailed penguins. We were able to get close as it surveyed all around and looked regally at us. For those of us who climbed to the top of the island, we were awed by the 360° view and the fantastic range of colours - subtle pinks & browns, vibrant greens and a suite of blues.
Our other option was to take the kayaks and explore the area of Port Charcot. We were blessed with no wind, sun and icebergs beyond our wildest dreams. They came in all shapes and sizes, with arches and overhangs, with peaks and plateaus, with domes and even with seals perched on top. We found Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals who all provided us with lovely photo opportunities. There was something about being out there, alone in the Antarctic quiet, just the swish of our paddles and drip of water from the melting icebergs.
Whilst we dined, the Captain moved the ship to the Argentine Islands, where we were able to visit the Ukrainian Research Station, Vernadzky. This Antarctic Base used to belong to the British (and was called Faraday), however they sold it for one pound to the Ukrainians. It was the site of the research into the Ozone and was involved in the discovery of the Ozone Hole. Our congenial hosts allowed us to taste their Antarctic brewed vodka, after a tour of their base.
Today, those of us in the Zodiac with seven year-old Louis Sheridan were told the following joke, which we felt had to be shared with everyone:
What does a Snowman have for lunch?
Ice-burgers!
Last night, Tim, our Expedition Leader, warned us that today we would have spectacular scenery, and he was SO right! We had an early morning wake-up call to alert us of our approach to the Lemaire Channel, and as we approached, the low clouds lifted. We were treated to towering cliffs plunging into inky black sea right beside the ship. The peaks, capped with a cornice of snow, were so close and so high that we had to crane our necks right back to look to the tops. Although we had sailed down "Iceberg Alley" the other day, it was no surprise to hear that this narrow channel has been called "Kodak Alley" given the number of pictures we all took.
The sun began to melt the clouds and highlight the western side of Booth Island, where the anchored ship was dwarfed by the jagged peaks right beside it. We had the opportunity to walk ashore, where the Oceanites research team, Aileen and Mike, had found a juvenile emperor penguin amongst all the brush-tailed penguins. We were able to get close as it surveyed all around and looked regally at us. For those of us who climbed to the top of the island, we were awed by the 360° view and the fantastic range of colours - subtle pinks & browns, vibrant greens and a suite of blues.
Our other option was to take the kayaks and explore the area of Port Charcot. We were blessed with no wind, sun and icebergs beyond our wildest dreams. They came in all shapes and sizes, with arches and overhangs, with peaks and plateaus, with domes and even with seals perched on top. We found Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals who all provided us with lovely photo opportunities. There was something about being out there, alone in the Antarctic quiet, just the swish of our paddles and drip of water from the melting icebergs.
Whilst we dined, the Captain moved the ship to the Argentine Islands, where we were able to visit the Ukrainian Research Station, Vernadzky. This Antarctic Base used to belong to the British (and was called Faraday), however they sold it for one pound to the Ukrainians. It was the site of the research into the Ozone and was involved in the discovery of the Ozone Hole. Our congenial hosts allowed us to taste their Antarctic brewed vodka, after a tour of their base.
Today, those of us in the Zodiac with seven year-old Louis Sheridan were told the following joke, which we felt had to be shared with everyone:
What does a Snowman have for lunch?
Ice-burgers!
