Holy Guacamole!!

Lat: 5416.98274401 S
Lon: 03630.05660222 W

So the fog had lifted...and displayed South Georgia in all it's grandeur!!! Glacier-filled mountain stretches that lead down to the sea, with crystal clear turquoise water that seems so inviting though it's as cold as a....We woke up in Fortuna Bay and got ready to get the Zodiacs and kayaks out for an excursion to follow Shackleton's last bit of trekking over the island to get to the Whaling Station. One problem for us: We had sustained winds of 45 knots (that's over 50 mph) and some gales measured at 70 knots (that's 80 mph folks, a Category 1 Hurricane)!! So needless to say no landing in the A.M., but a cruise through the channels on a crystal clear day, in and out of bays and coves with spectacular glaciers and mountains in front of us, all the while King Penguins and Fur Seals coming up to the boat to check us out. Then we went on, a late afternoon land excursion to Grytviken, the main settlement on South Georgia. After paying homage and a toast of whiskey to the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton, aka "The Boss," we had an amazing Wobble (hike) :-)along the mountain ranges near Grytviken which kicked my ass, but soooo great after some sedentary time on the ship. I so needed that, and incredible vistas and exploring with Elephant Seals and King Penguin rookeries all along the way. Brilliant! South Georgia is so stark with vibrant greens, mountain ranges with 9,000 ft. peaks and glaciers that plunge down to the ocean. It's so beautiful that I hope my photos will do it justice! One more day here at South Georgia, and then we head south to make our way to the Ice Continent!!

A 5:30 A.M. wake up tomorrow morning for an outstanding excursion that I will write about tomorrow, now off now to beddie bye.

There is a really interesting and wonderful group of folks on board; I tend to float
between continents! The Aussies and Kiwis are a hoot, we regale stories of mutual adventures; the North Americans (and many of the SE Alaska staff), we have a very special bond; the Israelis seem to like me; and the Europeans all hold up the bar at night and I'm game with my non-alcoholic bevvie :-). There're a few peeps with whom I've developed a really special and close bond, and I'll write more about my roomie soon.

A special thanks to everyone who has sent me some very personal emails and thoughts in the past few days. I've actually been overwhelmed by your kind words and wishes. You all continue to remind me over and over again that I have the best friends in the world!! From this end, I have no idea if you're reading the posts, but your amazing words continue to inspire me.

From many, many miles away, all my love (hey, tomorrow's Valentines Day)!!

Dave