Lemaire Channel & Booth Island
Robert Service once asked, “Have you gazed on naked grandeur, where there’s nothing else to gaze on? Set pieces and drop curtain scenes galore…” Today, we can respond to this query with an overwhelming YES!!!
This morning, our Expedition Leader Tim Soper woke us up and invited us on deck to experience one of the most dramatic landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula – the Lemaire Channel. We sailed past the famous sentinel peaks of Una’s… Tracks Of Land and on into this narrow sea passage that lies between Booth Island and the main Antarctic Peninsula. What a way to start the day! Jagged peaks, hanging glaciers, steep couloirs, corniced ridges, snow capped towers, and vertical splendor - all for us under a brilliant blue sky, a light breeze, and some wispy clouds to add the perfect dramatic effect.
Emerging at the south end, we hooked around to the west side of Booth Island and stopped in an area where icebergs of all shapes and sizes seemed to find their final home together. Jumping into the Zodiacs, we happily pushed through a stretch of our favorite brash ice and reached the shore for a lovely hike up to a terrific high point. Along the way, we passed by several gentoo nests and spectacular viewing spots. The high Mount Francais of Anvers Island loomed to the north and the jagged summits of Booth Island peered down on us from right above. It was impossible not to feel especially fortunate to be in this most remarkable of places.
We enjoyed a nice lunch as the ship briefly repositioned for our next afternoon activity of sea kayaking. Alas, our first effort to kayak was thwarted by a pesky leopard seal that showed his teeth and blew bubbles up at our boats. This was enough questionable behavior to give us second thoughts about bobbing around in tempting yellow chew toys. Instead, we enjoyed watching him from the safety of our Zodiacs while the kayak platform repositioned to another part of the bay. At last, we were able to paddle around the Antarctic splendor in safety and ease. At the same time others spent their time in Zodiacs for nice, long cruises. The wind was calm, the photo opportunities many, and the spirits high as we enjoyed some of the grandest grandeur in the Antarctic Peninsula.
Robert Service once asked, “Have you gazed on naked grandeur, where there’s nothing else to gaze on? Set pieces and drop curtain scenes galore…” Today, we can respond to this query with an overwhelming YES!!!
This morning, our Expedition Leader Tim Soper woke us up and invited us on deck to experience one of the most dramatic landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula – the Lemaire Channel. We sailed past the famous sentinel peaks of Una’s… Tracks Of Land and on into this narrow sea passage that lies between Booth Island and the main Antarctic Peninsula. What a way to start the day! Jagged peaks, hanging glaciers, steep couloirs, corniced ridges, snow capped towers, and vertical splendor - all for us under a brilliant blue sky, a light breeze, and some wispy clouds to add the perfect dramatic effect.
Emerging at the south end, we hooked around to the west side of Booth Island and stopped in an area where icebergs of all shapes and sizes seemed to find their final home together. Jumping into the Zodiacs, we happily pushed through a stretch of our favorite brash ice and reached the shore for a lovely hike up to a terrific high point. Along the way, we passed by several gentoo nests and spectacular viewing spots. The high Mount Francais of Anvers Island loomed to the north and the jagged summits of Booth Island peered down on us from right above. It was impossible not to feel especially fortunate to be in this most remarkable of places.
We enjoyed a nice lunch as the ship briefly repositioned for our next afternoon activity of sea kayaking. Alas, our first effort to kayak was thwarted by a pesky leopard seal that showed his teeth and blew bubbles up at our boats. This was enough questionable behavior to give us second thoughts about bobbing around in tempting yellow chew toys. Instead, we enjoyed watching him from the safety of our Zodiacs while the kayak platform repositioned to another part of the bay. At last, we were able to paddle around the Antarctic splendor in safety and ease. At the same time others spent their time in Zodiacs for nice, long cruises. The wind was calm, the photo opportunities many, and the spirits high as we enjoyed some of the grandest grandeur in the Antarctic Peninsula.
