Gerlache Strait and the Danco Coast
The Danco Coast was covered with a pristine topping of deep snow. We dropped anchor to kayak and take Zodiac cruises in an exceptionally beautiful area off of Pinel Point. The weather cooperated with intermittent moments of sunshine, always gorgeous clouds for composition, and even occasional light snow flurries to remind us of where we were. Amid the thick brash ice, we were thrilled to find leopard seals, crabeater seals, glaciers calving, with kayakers and Zodiac cruisers enjoying it all.
After lunch we cruised into the Errera Channel, described as a “scenic passage,” but in these perfect conditions, it was a place that defied words to express the feelings it evoked in us with its immense beauty. We passed by Cuverville Island, home to gentoo colonies, and Captain Skog continued to navigate the ice to further explore our landing options and conditions. Useful Islands offered us great opportunities for Zodiac cruises and walking ashore to see gentoo and chinstrap penguins. We hiked up to the navigation marker at the top of this small island, where we found 25 nesting pairs of chinstrap penguins along with awe inspiring 360 degree views of the mountains, glaciers, and sea around us.
If you are going to have the most amazing scenic day in Antarctica, then we must include the Lemaire Channel, known as “Kodak Gap” for the many years of incredible scenic photographs shot by numerous film photographers. This evening we took advantage of the calm and clear conditions to navigate this passage and maximize every moment of this extraordinary day.
Whew, what a day!
