Fabulous Firsts!

By Blog.Admin

15 Dec 2009





This afternoon was one filled with several firsts! For many, including us, it was the first time we had been to an Antarctic BBQ! The chef had prepared a wonderful spread with all kinds of food to choose from. After lunch, we started cruising toward Neko Harbor. The wind was still and the views were lovely, more penguins, more whales, and lots more ice bergs. After dropping the climbers off for their second hike of the day, we stopped at Neko Harbor.Everyone was eager to get ashore; this would be our first continental Antarctica landing!As we set foot on Antarctica (first), our usual greeting crew was there, gentoo penguins. They were everywhere along the beach, walking to and fro. If we stopped for any length of time they were sure to start walking close by, one came within a few feet of me. We stayed on the beach, but a large number of the passengers headed off to hike up to an overlook of the harbor.



One whole side of the harbor is a calving glacier. A bit did pop off later in the afternoon! (first calving glacier) On shore, besides the gentoos there were two seals taking a nap. At least one of them was a Weddell seal. The other one was either a Weddell or a Crabeater seal.(more firsts!) The call went out for anyone interested in a zodiac cruise. We hopped on, hoping to repeat this morning's whale sightings! As we zipped across the channel, Dan the kayak man, called out a sighting of a leopard seal by a little 'bergy bit' that had a few penguins on it.



We turned toward the kayakers and arrived in time to not only see the seal, but to hear it as it called out under the iceberg. (first) Soon after, we started hearing the blows of a humpback whale and off we went to see that. This was the best bit! Just after we got to the whale, it started bubble net fishing. We could see the bubbles rising to the surface in a big circle and then suddenly the whale's head would pop out of the water, jaws gaping! Fantastic! (first) Tonight the campers are going out, I think we will be happy to stay inside and be warm!



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