Deviation and Discovery
By Blog.Admin
29 Nov 2009About 11 AM this morning, November 28th, Captain released the icebreaker from the fast ice of the Weddell Sea. The Expedition Team had stowed the helicopter blades earlier, while the polar plunge unfolded.Fifteen mad, but hardy, souls swam with the crabeaters, a Minke whale and an Emperor in the icebreaker-made polynya at the stern of the ship. Loud cheers erupted from the crowd watching from Deck 3.
As each swimmer dove in, camera shutters clicked loudly. Each swimmer demonstrated a different technique - somersaults, back flips, cannonballs, feet first, and at least one elegant dive. The reaction on entering the water was nearly always the same - get me out of here! The final swimmer donned snorkel and fins, and delayed his return to the ice to splash about.
The plunge was to be followed by a presentation by Robert Bateman. He was to present his considered opinion about the state of the world's environment. Bob has a slew of international awards and honors in recognition of his work as an environmental activist. However, he lost his audience when Cheli announced that about a dozen Emperors were at the ice edge. Bob accepted the upstaging graciously. The Emperors turned out to be Adelies - and there were about 50 of them!
When we left the ice edge, we returned to the presentation room to listen to Bob. Using facts and personal experiences to which we all could relate, he painted a picture of a better world, and then called us to action. He illustrated his talk with his paintings and photos he took during his travels around the world.
After Bob's inspirational talk, Shane informed us that our goal for the day would be a return to Brown Bluff. We had been unable to land during our previous attempt. As we steamed northward to Antarctic Sound, I spent half an hour alone on the bow, watching tabular icebergs and a snow front. Just a few minutes before reaching Brown Bluff we were in a snow storm that did not let up. Once Captain anchored, the snow encrusted Zodiacs were lowered. Shane was determined to give us a landing to make up for the disappointment of never having reached the rookery at Snow Hill.
By the time we went ashore, the snow was blowing almost parallel to the beach. The Gentoos and Adelies were active, but looked particularly comic as they seemed to be dusted with icing sugar. We put our backs to the wind, brought out protective gear for the cameras and settled down for an authentic Antarctic experience. The explorers of old would have been at home, although much less comfortable than we were in thermal underwear and Quark parkas.
Once everyone had returned to the ship, a course was set for the South Shetland Islands. Tomorrow morning we'll land on Barrientos of the Aitcho Islands, then enjoy 3 meter waves in the Bransfield Strait. I'm putting a seasickness patch on before I go to bed. If you don't hear from me for a few days, don't worry, I'll be safe in my bunk, coping with high waves and water. Next stop - the Falkland Islands.
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