It's hard to describe any one portion or aspect of Antarctica as more beautiful or picturesque than another but the Lemaire Channel certainly does hold an exalted place by Antarctic standards.  This narrow passage, first navigated by The Belgica under Adrian de Gerlcahe in 1898 and named for Belgian explorer and captain, Charles Lemaire, when not blocked by ice makes possible a transit between Booth Island and The Graham Peninsula.  From the approach to the north, as we were sailing this morning, there doesn't appear to be a passage at all but rather an icy cut between rocky pinnacles.  The most scenic stretch of the 7km between Booth and the mainland features towering peaks and nearby glaciers.  While making way through the less than ½ km wide channel, we could spot several seals on the ice flows and a few minke whales joining us on the transit.  We made our transit beginning at 0700 and the bridge and decks were full of stunned onlookers as the land, ice and seascape passed by. 

Booth and Petermann Islands are home to 1000's of nesting penguins and at least 5 other species of seabirds.  On Booth Island all 3 species of brushtail penguins can be found nesting there, with Gentoo's and Chinstraps making up the bulk.  However on Petermann, the Adelie penguins are the majority of the nesting birds with Gentoo occupying the lower rocks and an abandoned Argentine refuge hut.  Apart from the action on shore with the busy penguin colonies the action in the waters around these islands is equally impressive.  Due to the prevailing winds, tides and bathymetry around these islands, massive icebergs of all shapes and sizes get stranded and grounded in the narrow, shallow channels making for a surreal and magical environment to explore by Zodiac.  As if that weren't enough, add to the mix spotting all three species of Antarctic seals, humpback and minke whales feeding on the krill in the protected bays.  Adding to the experience in true Antarctic form, both our outings today were accompanied by steady winds making for brisk conditions on shore and on the water.   

Back onboard out of the wind we set a course to explore further south.  As our next destination was relatively close, the Captain and Expedition Leader decided to sail as far south as we could before having to turn back, reaching 65º 47'S.  Being that it's Valentine’s Day a special evening performance by our very own “Explorer Spice Boys” would take place after dinner.  A fitting way to bring an end to another grand day of exploring in Antarctica.