23rd March 2018 – Setting foot on the 7th Continent
After yesterday’s sightings and events, expectations were pretty high for our second day in Antarctica. Today was quieter on the sightings front, with fewer humpbacks being seen, and seabirds certainly being more difficult to spot in the misty weather. On the other hand, our communication skills are definitely improving and we had significantly fewer Logger-induced meltdowns.
Our first place of call was Neko Harbour, which according to the Plancius crew was technically our first “official” landing on the continent itself. This means a few members of the team are now able to say they’ve been to all seven continents – of course not the reason we came on this trip, but certainly an added bonus. Neko Harbour is home to another colony of gentoo penguins, a firm favourite species of the trip.
As our zodiacs pulled up to the landing site we were greeted by a rather grumpy looking Weddell seal, who seemed a tad peeved that we had disturbed his snooze on the beach.
After an extremely windy and snowy trek to the top of the hill behind the landing site, I think all of us have a new found appreciation of what these little guys go through on a daily basis. However, the trip to the top was certainly worth it for the views.
After lunch we headed to Paradise Bay, apparently one of the most beautiful bays on the peninsula. As we sped about the bay in our zodiacs we had spectacular views of Sconthorpe Glacier, despite the freezing winds and snow. It was the most mind-blowing place I’ve ever had to do oceanography measurements, certainly beating the many wet and miserable field trips I had around Scotland in my undergraduate degree.
Unfortunately the day came to a bit of a sad ending, as our expedition leader informed us we would be leaving the Peninsula a day early due to the fast approaching bad weather. In fact, calling it “bad weather” is a bit of an understatement, as apparently we’re going to be subjected to 12-metre waves on our crossing back through the Drake Passage – I can’t say I’m too thrilled about the prospect of this. However, this does mean we get an unexpected trip to the South Shetland Islands, including Deception Island, and a chance to get up close and personal with some fur seals. Sonja also lifted our spirits by reminding us that this change of plans would give us extra time in the Beagle Channel, allowing opportunities to spot some of the more elusive South American cetacean species – fingers crossed!
Perhaps sensing some disappointment amongst the group, the crew took this opportunity to offer us a free bar along with our (indoor) Antarctic barbecue, and I think most of us got over our initial frustrations after a couple of glasses of wine, and were left looking forwards to see what the next day brings.
Written by Kirsten Dinwoodie
