In the Land of Ice

Lat: 6056.14065913 S
Lon: 04538.40143527 W

So we're traveling South/Southwest and we've crossed over the 60 degree Latitude mark, officially entering The Antarctic region! It's been now 2 days out at sea, and last night was as turbulent as they come (so far). We skirted a pretty powerful storm with seas as high as 9 feet! Needless to say not a restful night. I've realized what really gets me nauseous on this voyage - food. They serve 3 terrific meals a day, but when in the dining room, surrounded by all that food, and the ship's rocking and rolling, that's when it gets to me. I ask for a Bento Box for meals in my room to help alleviate that, then join the others for happy hour or movie night to schmooze with the locals.

Due to those gale force winds and sea swells into which we have been sailing, we made the South Orkney Islands too late in the day for a land excursion. :-(
We actually saw a Russian supply ship, our first other human sightings in a week, abort a landing to the Orkneys as well due to the high seas so we didn't feel all that bad; if they couldn't do it, we certainly weren't going to.

All along the voyage now, icebergs are appearing, and we've spotted a Sperm Whale breaching the surface and Chinstrap Penguins (my personal favorite) running up an iceberg. How cool is that! Google a picture of the Chinstraps, they look like they have a Harley Helmet on or a yarmulke, whichever you prefer. Another day at sea tomorrow, but the winds should be dying down and favorable sailing conditions should come our way.

When not horizontal, I'm trying to spend as much time on the Bridge as possible. The captains and crew don't mind us up there, and actually encourage us as they go on maneuvers. It's incredible to watch the sea wash over the bow in huge waves, as long as you can stomach the action. If we're lucky tomorrow, we should approach Elephant Island, the famous spot where Shackleton made a desperate break back to South Georgia in a wooden lifeboat with 2 other gents and their hand sextant. In the middle of a cyclone and made it!! Incredible.

...and then we reach the Antarctic Peninsula!


Note: A happy birthday today to my sister Lori, who if not for her, this
trip would never have been possible. I love you Lori!!