


After lunch we traversed the waters of “Paradise Harbour” in Zodiacs: a perfect name for a perfect place. The sunlight broke through in only a few places, highlighting the glaciers and snow-capped peaks that rose from the sea at alarmingly straight angles. Ice relinquished its tenuous grasp on the land and burst into an avalanche of small ice crystals that looked like snow falling down a slope. Weddell seals and crabeater seals rested on icebergs above the water but our brilliant dive team dropped our underwater microphone, the hydrophone, and recorded many Weddell seal calls in a seemingly tranquil environment. The ice popped and hissed as ancient air bubbles escaped their long confinement in the glacial ice. The icebergs, both blue and white, turned, bumped and hissed as the currents moved them about in this windless day.
Back on board, there was yet another surprise: today was the day for the polar plunge. 54 guests, a record set on this trip, donned bathing suits and jumped from the back platform of the ship into the icy waters of Paradise Harbour. Some, too numb to speak, made a mad dash for the ladder. All agreed “It was cold!” Warm drinks were handed to the courageous group after towels adorned their shivering bodies. Red noses and toes made their way back to their cabins to ready for dinner.
Our younger travelers had a special dinner in the observation lounge of pizza, hot dogs, and other “kid friendly” fare.
With the daylight hours endless, we continued this day with a post dinner sail through the magnificent Lemaire Channel. One of the most spectacular vistas along the peninsula was decorated in the long evening light of a summer solstice sun. Our endless day’s activities matched perfectly the endless sun of summer.
My notes:
Wed Dec 23
-morning started early at 6:45 so could go to stretch class. Good routine
-got Finn up and running for bfast then back to the room to suit up for a shore visit
-Niko Bay where we stopped was stunning. Glaciers all around but some exposed black water and mirror black water. Stunning.
-as we waited to board the Zodiacs a glacier calved right in front of us sending 4-5 foot shock waves by the ship. Pretty cool
-we landed on shore amidst thousands of gentu penguins. The smell of the rockery was quite strong and foul. It was fun to watch the penguins waddling about.
-the crew had set up a hike to the top of the ridge and the view from there was fantastic. We had panoramic views of the glaciers and the bay. I tried to take photos to capture the scene but I'm sure they will fall short. The scale of the landscape is difficult to capture in words or photos.
-we got to slide down the slope in a snow chute and that was a hoot. The kids went multiple times squealing all the way.
-I ended the visit down in the rookery and found a spot near a penguin highway where I was able to video some penguins waddling by. I think it will be pretty cool
-back to the ship and a workout then a well earned lunch.
-after lunch we did a zodiac cruise and saw a Wedell and a crab eater seal. Apparently crab eater seals actually eat krill. They got their name when Norwegians opened their stomach and saw lots of little red bits that were actually krill and not crab. The scenery as usual was stunning.
-Shaun took the kids in a separate zodiac and let them drive. The squeals of delight could be heard across the bay.
-we had a little down time and then they announced that it was time for the polar plunge. The ship began to buzz with excitement. We got suited up in our board shorts and were full of adrenaline. It was definitely cold on the after deck with just a robe n shorts on.
-they let the kids go first and Finn did a good job with a front flip into the water. However he was quick to head to the ladder and emerged with very pink skin
-I waited my turn and then dove into the water and glided out to the safety boat. A quick stop there and then a few strokes back to the boat as the cold really set in. As I climbed the ladder I felt a little wobbly and going up the steps I definitely felt light headed. It is quite a shock to the system and I think having all of that blood rush to the surface of your skin might cause the light headedness
-Finn and I retreated to the hot tub to revel in our stupidity with the other plungers.
-to cap it off and to represent Hawaii Finn and I plunged together for a second time. Same pink skin and same light head. Twice was plenty.
-we had a lecture and dinner which was dominated with tales of the plunge.
-late that evening we entered the Lemaire Channel and the evening sun on the surrounding mountains was stunning. Pinks and oranges and yellows. I hope some of the photos turn out. Then off to bed after a very full day
2025-02-11