Lemaire Channel
In a land sometimes predicated on extremes, occasionally the winds and weather relent and bestow an absolutely gorgeous day upon the Antarctic Peninsula. From the very beginning, today started out spectacular and maintained its momentum throughout the day. It was one of those days where almost everything went well, and superlatives became commonplace. We were continually amazed at every turn. And though we finished the day less than halfway through our voyage; I think we all felt as though our journey has already been a smashing success.
It started with an early morning transit of the Lemaire Channel, a narrow passage renowned for its stunning scenery and breathtaking landscapes. As our ship glided along the still waters, it seemed as if we were being enveloped in all that is Antarctica. The chill in the air was enough to let us know exactly where we were, but not so great as to deter our desire to be out on deck. Brash ice parted before the prow of the ship, sliding harmlessly past the hull and dampening our own wake as if to keep the waters as still as possible. Sunlight slipped past the surrounding peaks offering a dozen or more “sunrises” along the course of our passage. Crabeater seals streaked in for a closer look before darting off again just below the surface of the mirrored waters. Minke whales surfaced periodically as well, no doubt busy feeding on the bounty of krill that brings so many of the animals down to the incredibly rich seas each summer. And yet, the land around us remained the utmost spectacle; providing a struggle for our cameras while cementing the images in our minds.
By the time breakfast finished, we had already sated ourselves on the bevy of scenery outside, but the day had only just begun. Adelie penguins beckoned our arrival to Petermann Island, while elephant and fur seals joined the science team in welcoming us to Palmer Station, the U.S. base on the peninsula. The local hospitality offered a wealth of information and fascinating backdrops, but wildlife and science were no match for the grandeur of the continent on this day. The giant tabular bergs remained aglow even in the setting sun, towering above the small rocky islands and the flat sea. Their chiseled forms called to mind a variety of interpretations, leaving us all to wonder at nature’s own version of a sculpture garden and guessing what the continent could possibly hold in reserve for the days ahead. Luckily, the answer lies only a few hours’ sleep away.
In a land sometimes predicated on extremes, occasionally the winds and weather relent and bestow an absolutely gorgeous day upon the Antarctic Peninsula. From the very beginning, today started out spectacular and maintained its momentum throughout the day. It was one of those days where almost everything went well, and superlatives became commonplace. We were continually amazed at every turn. And though we finished the day less than halfway through our voyage; I think we all felt as though our journey has already been a smashing success.
It started with an early morning transit of the Lemaire Channel, a narrow passage renowned for its stunning scenery and breathtaking landscapes. As our ship glided along the still waters, it seemed as if we were being enveloped in all that is Antarctica. The chill in the air was enough to let us know exactly where we were, but not so great as to deter our desire to be out on deck. Brash ice parted before the prow of the ship, sliding harmlessly past the hull and dampening our own wake as if to keep the waters as still as possible. Sunlight slipped past the surrounding peaks offering a dozen or more “sunrises” along the course of our passage. Crabeater seals streaked in for a closer look before darting off again just below the surface of the mirrored waters. Minke whales surfaced periodically as well, no doubt busy feeding on the bounty of krill that brings so many of the animals down to the incredibly rich seas each summer. And yet, the land around us remained the utmost spectacle; providing a struggle for our cameras while cementing the images in our minds.
By the time breakfast finished, we had already sated ourselves on the bevy of scenery outside, but the day had only just begun. Adelie penguins beckoned our arrival to Petermann Island, while elephant and fur seals joined the science team in welcoming us to Palmer Station, the U.S. base on the peninsula. The local hospitality offered a wealth of information and fascinating backdrops, but wildlife and science were no match for the grandeur of the continent on this day. The giant tabular bergs remained aglow even in the setting sun, towering above the small rocky islands and the flat sea. Their chiseled forms called to mind a variety of interpretations, leaving us all to wonder at nature’s own version of a sculpture garden and guessing what the continent could possibly hold in reserve for the days ahead. Luckily, the answer lies only a few hours’ sleep away.
