Deception Island and Hannah Point, The South Shetland Islands
Today’s activities were a wonderful blend of human and natural history. In the morning we landed at Whaler’s Bay on Deception Island where we gained insight into the whaling industry of the early twentieth century. We explored the remains of the whaling station and learned of the extent of the destruction of whales during the century.
A highlight of the day was the swim for the heartiest of the hearty. With winds howling and overcast grey skies we all felt more like we were in the real Antarctic rather than the icy fantasy land we had encountered in the earliest days of our voyage. Those who stripped down and risked life and skin for the glory of an Antarctica swim did so in the knowledge that the old Antarcticans aboard described today’s swimming conditions as among the worst they’d seen.
In the afternoon our expedition leader, Trip Dennis, took us to Hannah Point where we saw elephant seals wallowing, chinstrap chicks, and the occasional macaroni penguin. The setting was magnificent.
In the evening after a magnificent meal, we snuggled into our beds well deserving of rest after a day of icy adventure.
Today’s activities were a wonderful blend of human and natural history. In the morning we landed at Whaler’s Bay on Deception Island where we gained insight into the whaling industry of the early twentieth century. We explored the remains of the whaling station and learned of the extent of the destruction of whales during the century.
A highlight of the day was the swim for the heartiest of the hearty. With winds howling and overcast grey skies we all felt more like we were in the real Antarctic rather than the icy fantasy land we had encountered in the earliest days of our voyage. Those who stripped down and risked life and skin for the glory of an Antarctica swim did so in the knowledge that the old Antarcticans aboard described today’s swimming conditions as among the worst they’d seen.
In the afternoon our expedition leader, Trip Dennis, took us to Hannah Point where we saw elephant seals wallowing, chinstrap chicks, and the occasional macaroni penguin. The setting was magnificent.
In the evening after a magnificent meal, we snuggled into our beds well deserving of rest after a day of icy adventure.
