Feb 02/12: Cruising Antartica

Feb 02/12: Cruising Antartica

 

Today is a sea day as we cruise the waters of Antarctica. The weather continues to be overcast, with on off sleet-snow and gale force winds. I had to get up at 5:30 AM- yes, mom got up really early! Dad stayed in bed, but did getup a little later- for breakfast! I skipped it as I was outside, freezing myself, and every time I thought I might come in, something else would appear. At that time the ship was going through Dallmonn Bay, Schollart Channel, and passing Cuverville island- where there is a penguin colony. Managed to see some of these, but then the fog rolled in heavy and thick and we never did get to see Cuverville Island  as a result. So we are just cruising and hoping the weather will give us a break. it is cold and very windy out. With the wind chill it is below Celsius and the  wind blows icy pellets right in your face.

 

Saw our first iceberg and ' berg-bits'. Some birds braved the weather and took pics of those. Saw 2 whales spouting, and a flipper but could not get the shots - by the time you click the camera they are gone.  I have attached some of the pics I got. I'd stay out for around 40-50 minutes, depending, then come in for 2 minutes or so just to warm up my fingers. Also had to wipe off the camera as it got rained  etc. upon, and to change lenses from time to time- indoors. Hopefully the weather will get better. Gave up because could see nothing at all anymore, and even the birds vanished around 11, and then ordered in some breakfast to the room- orange juice, an omelet and French toast.

 

Weather continued to get worse.  Wind picked up to gale force & greater, and it snowed steadily for quite a while- it even 'piled up' on deck - someone braved the weather and went out an built a mini snowman.

 

After breakfast, I decided to spend time looking out the window, but I got tired and so went to the cabin for a snooze because you really could not see anything. Woke up around 3 and Dad had had lunch, but did not go to the Greek buffet. I missed lunch, because at 1.30 we were passing by the Lemaire channel, Paradise Harbour and cruising the Bismark Strait, and I was trying to get pictures through the fog , snow and wind. Not much luck there. Then it was too late to get lunch  so just ate some fruit in the cabin, then got dressed again and went outside some more. There was a short reprieve of about 20 minutes where the fog backed off just in time for some more land to reveal itself very close to the ship.

 

Then it was time for the ' penguin plunge' at 4 .00. We will get a certificate and 5 "ship dollars' . Dad had already been up there 10 minutes when I joined him in my bathing suit with cabin robe overtop. Dad had a towel but I had expected to find some on deck- there were only blankets- so Dad ran back inside to get me one. During that time, they gathered everyone together out by the pool and took a group shot which Dad missed because they would not wait. Then it was a mad scramble into the pool. We had been told that the pool would be heated, but it wasn't !!! Brrrrr!!!! Literally went in & out. Freezing  when you came out with the wind blowing and the snow/sleet coming down the whole time. I hopped into the hot tub to warm up, but Dad went straight into the cabin. After the hot tub, I went inside and had a sauna and steam room as I was still cold. Finally I was warm again. By then it was time to get ready for supper.

 

As usual, I was the last one, and late. Tonight I did not order any dessert- instead I had the fruit plate. I have to start eating less as both Dad and I are eating much more than we would at home. During supper some really big icebergs showed up, and the fog was just far enough away that we could see them. We had a huge debate at the table as to whether it was land or  an iceberg, it was so huge. Finally it was confirmed to be an iceberg, so that was our real first iceberg. It was dessert time, so I ran away to get the camera and my jacket to take some pictures. When I got outside there were a few more - it was unbelievable how huge they were. Some were as long, or even longer than the ship, as well as high.  ( see movie) .No wonder the Titanic went down if that was what she ran into!!!! When I got in , frozen again, everyone was finished dessert and their coffee/tea, so I had to rush.

 

I had a  chat & some  rum with one of our table mates , Caroline, in our cabin while she gave me a foot massage which I thought was extremely nice of her. Dad and her husband, Erwin, went up to their cabin and had some wine with their chat. Then everyone went back to their respective cabins and I got ready for the night- namely took off my clothes and slipped into my bathrobe so I could do emails. I happened to look out our window, and there were 2 whales, spouting, and then we saw one arch it's back, and a tail fin. Since I was already undressed I sent Dad out to get some pictures, but he doddled getting dressed  and by the time he got out there they were gone. However, others took their place and Dad saw them spouting. Again, could not get any pictures, the camera is just too slw and they are just too fast. But we will remember! Anyway, it is now 11.27 pm, and I have to get up at 5:30 am again tomorrow to get pics for when we get to Palmer Station & the Neumayer Channel at 6am. I guess I will skip my nightly tea. Dad fell asleep on the bed, so will join him. Will try to send another update tomorrow.

 

Take care, love you all,

Mom & Dad

11:57pm...

It's finally totally dark out. Could not connect to internet, so will send all emails tomorrow.

Can't believe I'm getting up at 5.30 tomorrow- again!

 

Sleep tight everyone.

 

Love Mom