15-02-2025, Follow us: https://my.yb.tl/Tecla
Whales, penguins, seals, birds, ice, ice and more ice. I think that pretty much sums up our last few weeks. We started off in Puerto Williams. The guests arrived and after we got out last fresh groceries, the trip to Antarctica begun. The departure day was very sunny, we enjoyed our first whales, albatrosses and swimming penguins and headed to the Drake Passage. The sun made place for some rain and the steady stomachs were a bit less steady for some people.
Day by day it got a bit colder and we could see the wildlife changing. After 4/5 days of crossing the Drake we arrived at Elephant Island. The Island got its name because of its shape as well as the elephant seals that live there. At this place we did our first dinghy ride. We saw some macaroni penguins, lots of seals, gentoo penguins and saved a lost fender floating around. I think it was spectacular for everyone to see the first ice and the wildlife from close by. From Elephant Island we went to Penguin Island. We did it or first landing here. We climbed up a mountain, saw lots of seals and penguins and enjoyed the view with all the icebergs.
The weather was very good, and the sun was out. That made the whole day even better. The good weather stayed with us when we went to Yankee Harbour. We visited a glacier over here and again enjoyed all the penguins and birds that live on this island. Sometimes it feels like you live in the middle of a zoo, but then even better.
After Yankee it was time to visit Deception Island. We visited Whalers Bay, Telefon Bay and Pendulum Cove. We walked to Neptunes Window and were impressed by all the history of this place. The day after was a spectacular day. We saw lots of whales and the sun was out again. The water was very clear, and it looked like the whales were playing with us.
They danced around the boat and stayed with us for a couple of hours. At Enterprise Island it was time to climb up a mountain again. This place was like winter wonderland with all its whiteness. Later that day we went to Waterboat Point. We saw an Empire Penguin over here and visited the base. We also said hi to the Bark Europa that was nearby.
After a night with ice watches, it was time to go a bit more south. We saw our first Adelie Penguin and had a bit less sun and a bit more snow. We visited the Vernadsky Base and played some darts and pool over there. Right now, we are heading to Port Lockroy to go and see if we can send some postcards. The vibe on board is good and everyone is enjoying their time in the middle of the real-life zoo.
All is well, Gijs
Your report is amazing! Thanks a lot! So we can imaging your reality feelings!
Go on enjoying the extraordinary experiences!