Neko Harbor and Dallmann Bay
Our day was filled with grand finales and final impressions. Sadly, it was our last day on the Antarctic Peninsula, but it gave us so much to remember it by and to share with our friends and families awaiting our return home. It began early, as it seems they all do down here in unending summer light, but today started even earlier than expected because of the diligent eyes of our deck crew, who spotted a group of killer whales shortly after 4am. And since our very own orca maven, Ingrid Visser, has instilled in us a great deal of her own enthusiasm, we all clambered out of bed and onto the decks to watch the creatures as they glided by in silent patrol. Once up and about, we could also fully appreciate the glorious surrounding landscape, for during the night we had sailed out of the fog and into blue skies. Of course, we couldn’t let this great weather go to waste, and after a quick bite of breakfast, the expedition staff and ship’s crew laid out a bevy of choices and activities that had us all scurrying for our boots and cameras.
Some of us hiked atop snow covered bluffs to peer down upon the ship nestled in the stunning bay. Others joined Zodiac cruises in amongst the majestic icebergs that gleamed in the radiant sunlight. A few of us simply contented ourselves with a lazy stroll along the beach while sharing a few last moments with the penguins who still busied themselves with the business of raising this year’s new Antarctic ambassadors. And while all of these were certainly fine choices and well-worth our time, perhaps those that took up paddle and slid out into the mirrored waters found the most ideal spot for a final reflection. Gliding along under their own power and direction, the kayakers seemed to relish the opportunity to spend an hour or so gazing out at the White Continent from their unique surface perspective.
Even though our morning had more than fulfilled our hopes for the day, Antarctica, like it has done every other day of the voyage, exceeded those expectations once more by delivering a stunning farewell in Dallmann Bay. Aside from the sublime panoramas in every direction, the bay also played host to several of our favorite species of wildlife. There were crabeater and Weddell seals resting between dives. Penguins porpoised above the calm waters en route to their next meal. And just when we thought the show must end, two humpbacks joined in for the curtain call nearly surfacing into the Zodiac while we squealed in surprised awe and delight. Like everything down here in Antarctica, even the good-byes are done on a grand scale.
Our day was filled with grand finales and final impressions. Sadly, it was our last day on the Antarctic Peninsula, but it gave us so much to remember it by and to share with our friends and families awaiting our return home. It began early, as it seems they all do down here in unending summer light, but today started even earlier than expected because of the diligent eyes of our deck crew, who spotted a group of killer whales shortly after 4am. And since our very own orca maven, Ingrid Visser, has instilled in us a great deal of her own enthusiasm, we all clambered out of bed and onto the decks to watch the creatures as they glided by in silent patrol. Once up and about, we could also fully appreciate the glorious surrounding landscape, for during the night we had sailed out of the fog and into blue skies. Of course, we couldn’t let this great weather go to waste, and after a quick bite of breakfast, the expedition staff and ship’s crew laid out a bevy of choices and activities that had us all scurrying for our boots and cameras.
Some of us hiked atop snow covered bluffs to peer down upon the ship nestled in the stunning bay. Others joined Zodiac cruises in amongst the majestic icebergs that gleamed in the radiant sunlight. A few of us simply contented ourselves with a lazy stroll along the beach while sharing a few last moments with the penguins who still busied themselves with the business of raising this year’s new Antarctic ambassadors. And while all of these were certainly fine choices and well-worth our time, perhaps those that took up paddle and slid out into the mirrored waters found the most ideal spot for a final reflection. Gliding along under their own power and direction, the kayakers seemed to relish the opportunity to spend an hour or so gazing out at the White Continent from their unique surface perspective.
Even though our morning had more than fulfilled our hopes for the day, Antarctica, like it has done every other day of the voyage, exceeded those expectations once more by delivering a stunning farewell in Dallmann Bay. Aside from the sublime panoramas in every direction, the bay also played host to several of our favorite species of wildlife. There were crabeater and Weddell seals resting between dives. Penguins porpoised above the calm waters en route to their next meal. And just when we thought the show must end, two humpbacks joined in for the curtain call nearly surfacing into the Zodiac while we squealed in surprised awe and delight. Like everything down here in Antarctica, even the good-byes are done on a grand scale.
