Pleneau Island & Paradise Harbor
Today we awoke to cloudier skies than to which we’d become accustomed here on our extraordinary voyage to Antarctica. Those clouds, however, proved only to be shadows of another absolutely beautiful day. By the time we began our first outing of the morning, the sun was out and an invigorating breeze livened our spirits. We were spoiled, yet again, with perfect weather.
We spent the first part of the day at Pleneau Island, so named by Charcot for the photographer on his 1903-1905 Antarctic expedition. While half of us landed on the island for a walk, the rest enjoyed a zodiac cruise amongst the majestic icebergs. During the cruise, we saw our first Leopard Seal of the voyage. We edged up close for some great photographs, as he lounged carelessly on the glittering ice.
On land, the hikers observed ever-entertaining Gentoo Penguin colonies, in addition to Skuas, Antarctic Terns, and Kelp Gulls. One fellow guest had a particularly exciting encounter with a solitary Elephant Seal that lumbered to where he was sitting then proceeded to push on his leg before issuing a great snort to the amusement of the bystanders.
After a delicious lunch and a satisfying rest, our Expedition Leader’s cheerful voice invited us back on deck for a breathtaking, scenic sail through the Gerlache Strait. Though every iceberg we’ve encountered has been incredibly unique and spectacular, one in particular brought us all out on deck with its astonishing formation and rich, blue hues.
Shortly after, we arrived at aptly named Paradise Bay. Here, the regal splendor of Antarctica surrounded us, as we made our final landing – at least for this voyage – on the continent. After a vertical climb through the snow, we were rewarded with stunning views and an opportunity to slide down (an activity some of us found so enjoyable, it was worth a second ascent!). Later, we were offered the option of another zodiac ride that allowed us to tour amongst the ice. We were fortunate, yet again, with incredible animal sightings – three species of seals (Leopard, Crab-eater, and Weddell), porpoising penguins, and diving terns laid against a backdrop so fantastic it is difficult to describe.
The scenery of Paradise Bay was, as we have often seen throughout our trip, magnificent, almost ethereal in its grandeur. It reminds us that Antarctica is like no place on earth; at once harsh and unforgiving, yet rich and majestic. To visit Antarctica is to witness a setting so glorious it is beyond imagination. Its scale is so massive, its beauty so vast, its nature so extraordinary. It is humbling to be in the presence of a place so awesome. I feel I can speak for my fellow passengers when I say that the powerful memories of this voyage will stay with us long after we’ve returned to our daily lives. I know I will long to return to Antarctica and will think of it often.
As I sit here in the library of Lindblad’s beloved and fittingly named ship, with the waves rolling steadily, the snow falling gently, and the petrels soaring gracefully outside the window, I think of a quote from Sir Earnest Shackleton: “Never for me the lowered banner, never the last endeavour.” I believe I know what he meant.
Today we awoke to cloudier skies than to which we’d become accustomed here on our extraordinary voyage to Antarctica. Those clouds, however, proved only to be shadows of another absolutely beautiful day. By the time we began our first outing of the morning, the sun was out and an invigorating breeze livened our spirits. We were spoiled, yet again, with perfect weather.
We spent the first part of the day at Pleneau Island, so named by Charcot for the photographer on his 1903-1905 Antarctic expedition. While half of us landed on the island for a walk, the rest enjoyed a zodiac cruise amongst the majestic icebergs. During the cruise, we saw our first Leopard Seal of the voyage. We edged up close for some great photographs, as he lounged carelessly on the glittering ice.
On land, the hikers observed ever-entertaining Gentoo Penguin colonies, in addition to Skuas, Antarctic Terns, and Kelp Gulls. One fellow guest had a particularly exciting encounter with a solitary Elephant Seal that lumbered to where he was sitting then proceeded to push on his leg before issuing a great snort to the amusement of the bystanders.
After a delicious lunch and a satisfying rest, our Expedition Leader’s cheerful voice invited us back on deck for a breathtaking, scenic sail through the Gerlache Strait. Though every iceberg we’ve encountered has been incredibly unique and spectacular, one in particular brought us all out on deck with its astonishing formation and rich, blue hues.
Shortly after, we arrived at aptly named Paradise Bay. Here, the regal splendor of Antarctica surrounded us, as we made our final landing – at least for this voyage – on the continent. After a vertical climb through the snow, we were rewarded with stunning views and an opportunity to slide down (an activity some of us found so enjoyable, it was worth a second ascent!). Later, we were offered the option of another zodiac ride that allowed us to tour amongst the ice. We were fortunate, yet again, with incredible animal sightings – three species of seals (Leopard, Crab-eater, and Weddell), porpoising penguins, and diving terns laid against a backdrop so fantastic it is difficult to describe.
The scenery of Paradise Bay was, as we have often seen throughout our trip, magnificent, almost ethereal in its grandeur. It reminds us that Antarctica is like no place on earth; at once harsh and unforgiving, yet rich and majestic. To visit Antarctica is to witness a setting so glorious it is beyond imagination. Its scale is so massive, its beauty so vast, its nature so extraordinary. It is humbling to be in the presence of a place so awesome. I feel I can speak for my fellow passengers when I say that the powerful memories of this voyage will stay with us long after we’ve returned to our daily lives. I know I will long to return to Antarctica and will think of it often.
As I sit here in the library of Lindblad’s beloved and fittingly named ship, with the waves rolling steadily, the snow falling gently, and the petrels soaring gracefully outside the window, I think of a quote from Sir Earnest Shackleton: “Never for me the lowered banner, never the last endeavour.” I believe I know what he meant.
