Brown Bluff & Weddell Sea

Our first full day of activities in Antarctica was filled with plenty of activity for both animals and humans. Right after breakfast we went ashore at Brown Bluff, named for the incredible volcanic cliffs surrounded by glaciers at the north end of the Tabarin Peninsula. Ashore we had great views of two species of penguins, gentoo and Adelie. During this part of summer the chicks are quite large and are even beginning to crèche or get into large groups for protection. The dirty little birds didn't care about their appearance, some even looking like they had just come from a burning man festival. They only wanted food, and lots of it, from their parents who are out to sea gathering krill to bring back to them. Once enough views and photos were taken, a hike was offered on a glacier. These rivers of ice move very slowly, so safe passage was made up a few hundred feet in elevation for a grand view of Antarctic Sound.

After lunch, Karen gave a talk about the flightless birds we had just seen and others we may see during the coming days. Our transit through the sound and into the Weddell Sea showed us the grandeur of the east side of the peninsula. The area that trapped Shackleton and his men and has posed many a challenge to ships through the decades was open enough for us to make another landing. During our transit we did see a few crabeater seals on the floating ice that defines the Weddell Sea. Crabeater seals are the most numerous mammal besides humans on earth. Their lives are defined by sea ice and icebergs, almost never touching land. After viewing them and making another walk amongst penguins at Devil Island, the long hikers made it up over 600 feet in elevation for a spectacular view.

What a first day in the Ice! The only thing that could top this would be going into an active volcano with the ship!!