Blog.Admin's blog

14 Dec 2007

At Sea: December 14, 2007

By Blog.Admin

The day began with wildlife watch. Despite the continuing cold, it was well attended. We all warmed up in the presentation room, while Bob delivered his incomparable presentation about Ernest Shackleton's epic journey in a small boat from Elephant Island to South Georgia.

13 Dec 2007

At Sea: December 13, 2007

By Blog.Admin

When we arose, we had a very overcast sky and a white-out situation. The only place I could see the definition between land and sky was where there was a patch of open water.

12 Dec 2007

Ice Pack, December 12, 2007

By Blog.Admin

During the early hours, we encountered 10/10ths pack ice. For ice masters that means that the entire ocean surface is covered in ice. From the shuddering of the ship, it was clear that at least five engines were working. The ship rammed, reversed and rammed again, but the distance gain was small. The captain deployed a helicopter for ice reconnaissance. He was hoping to find a lead - open water - through which to navigate to Cape Norvegia or Atka Bay.

11 Dec 2007

South Sandwich Islands, December 11, 2007

By Blog.Admin

This morning was exciting! Jonas announced at 8AM that within a quarter of an hour we would cross the Antarctic Circle. The ship's horn was sounded at 8:15AM to mark the occasion.

10 Dec 2007

At Sea: December 10, 2007

By Blog.Admin

One of our travelers is leading stretch and breathing classes at 7:30 AM each morning.

9 Dec 2007

At Sea: December 9, 2007

By Blog.Admin

Now we are back to sea days. We had some fog and overcast skies this morning, yet we had some wonderful birds around us. And, of course, we had ice.

8 Dec 2007

South Sandwich Islands, December 8, 2007

By Blog.Admin

This morning began with a call at Montagu Island, an active volcano. The lava began flowing to the sea in 2006. Now the outpouring of lava is much slower.

7 Dec 2007

South Sandwich Island, December 7, 2007

By Blog.Admin

We reached Zavodovski Island around 8AM. It looked spectacular in the morning light. Chinstraps porpoised around the ship.

6 Dec 2007

At Sea: December 6, 2007

By Blog.Admin

We woke this morning to find ourselves once again in fog, en route to the South Sandwich Island. The sea was calm and there was very little wind, so the larger seabirds, that need wind to glide, did not accompany the ship on the crossing.

5 Dec 2007

South Georgia: December 5, 2007

By Blog.Admin

Another morning of blue skies and sunshine! We arrived at Grytviken around 7AM. The setting was magnificent. The first top was the cemetery where Sir Ernest Shackleton in buried.