Lemaire Channel & Paradise Bay, Antarctica
Passing again through the Lemaire Channel this morning some were glad to have a different view. Instead of blue skies and powerful sunshine there was a more solemn note to the morning. Grey clouds covered the sky and the light seemed as though it were hiding just over the horizon. We had an entirely different view, and a very beautiful one of our second time through the Lemaire Channel.
That low light stayed with us all day as we cruised on the National Geographic Explorer north to Paradise Bay. Here we stopped at Brown Station, an Argentine base. No one was home in the cluster of small red buildings on shore, so instead of landing we cruised along the shore in Zodiacs and kayaked in front of the glaciers.
We were afforded close-up views of Antarctic Shag nesting on the cliff faces as well as Pintado, or Cape Pigeon, soaring overhead. There were also several Antarctic Terns flying in unison in pairs. The Gentoo Penguins delighted all by leaping out of the water and taking a breath as the porpoises do.
The chilly air was kept at bay with a cup of hot chocolate delivered to everyone by a Zodiac driven by our ship’s Purser, Esther. Fortified by the hot chocolate we could continue paddling and cruising around the beautiful (and aptly named) Paradise Bay.
