Day 12, 22nd March 2015 – On Route back to Terra Firma
Today started in the same way as yesterday ended! Our visibility was obscured by heavy fog, which frustrated those on marine mammal and bird surveys. Furthermore a slightly breezy “Drake Lake” became a “Drake Shake” claiming more victims as winds rose to over 30 knots causing the ship to rock side-to-side.
The lack of wildlife frustrated us until after lunch until the birds finally came to our rescue and offered relief from all the “wave watching”. The first indication that things were finally improving came as our cheeky friend the Snowy Sheathbill (who hitched a ride with us for most of the day yesterday, but abandoned us over-night) re-joined us on-board the Plancius.
As we started approaching the continental shelf, I witnessed one of the most incredible moments of our Antarctic trip. A flock of about 20 albatross belonging to different species escorted the ship – majestically soaring alongside and around the vessel taking the wind in their stride. Although there were no new species, the sheer elegance and charisma of these birds is breath-taking! It saddens me to think that long-line fisheries are endangering their existence.
As we entered the Beagle Channel the marine mammals finally joined the party. This was not surprising, seeing as our captain Alexey, was able to give us an exact time estimate as to when we would witness our first dolphins of the voyage; and he was spot on! At exactly 17:45, a pod of four dusky dolphins appeared on our starboard side. Although they soon abandoned us, it didn’t take long for more to join in the fun of bow-riding the waves generated by the Plancius. A bit later one large group of duskies went crazy in our stern wave leaping high into the air two or three at the time.
There were many more sightings of different bird species throughout the day, however they did not quite live up to these two spectacular sightings. After dinner the entire group relaxed in the lounge, reflecting on the amazing moments we have witnessed as a group over the past few days. Although we are all sad about leaving the 7th continent, the memories will stay with us forever.
There are no words to describe what we have witnessed, and my advice to everyone is go for it! Visit Antarctica, it is the best decision ever and you will not regret it.
Alex Radl (SH student)
