Where We Be
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
| It's cold work being a zodiac pilot |
| Antarctica -- South Shetland Islands |
Around 5 pm, Martin, our guide, said, “I have
some bad news: dinner is going to be at 6:30
instead of 7:30 – because we’re going to do our
first landing tonight at 8 pm.” Everyone in the
room oohed and aahed and clapped we were so
excited. Shortly after the announcement, we
passed through the scenic McFarland Straight
and were able to take pictures from the top
deck. This straight is narrow enough that only
smaller boats are allowed to pass through it.
After dinner we got dressed for our first zodiac
adventure to Half Moon Island in the South
Shetlands, which lie about 75 miles north of the
Antarctic Peninsula. The scenery was misty and
bleak and beautiful all at once. The star attrac-
tions were the chinstrap and gentoo penguins;
we loved when they "ran" with their wings held
back and hopped from rock to rock. We saw the
remains of an old whaling vessel and hiked up
to a scenic viewpoint before heading back to
the ship. Later on, we got our first showers in
two days (too risky during the Drake), enjoyed
celebratory drinks at the bar, and went to bed
past midnight with the sun still up.
some bad news: dinner is going to be at 6:30
instead of 7:30 – because we’re going to do our
first landing tonight at 8 pm.” Everyone in the
room oohed and aahed and clapped we were so
excited. Shortly after the announcement, we
passed through the scenic McFarland Straight
and were able to take pictures from the top
deck. This straight is narrow enough that only
smaller boats are allowed to pass through it.
After dinner we got dressed for our first zodiac
adventure to Half Moon Island in the South
Shetlands, which lie about 75 miles north of the
Antarctic Peninsula. The scenery was misty and
bleak and beautiful all at once. The star attrac-
tions were the chinstrap and gentoo penguins;
we loved when they "ran" with their wings held
back and hopped from rock to rock. We saw the
remains of an old whaling vessel and hiked up
to a scenic viewpoint before heading back to
the ship. Later on, we got our first showers in
two days (too risky during the Drake), enjoyed
celebratory drinks at the bar, and went to bed
past midnight with the sun still up.
| Aptly named chinstrap penguins waddle towards us |
| This early version of a zodiac has seen better days |
| We climbed uphill through the snow for views of the surrounding South Shetland Islands |
| Penguins everywhere! Penguins always have the right-of-way in Antarctica. Behind them are the remains of a whaling vessel. |
| The "chinstrap" is very evident here. By comparison, the gentoo penguin on the right has a readily identifiable white patch on its head. |
| They're so curious -- and cute! The one on the right toppled forward, righted himself, then continued coming towards us with his companions. |
| We happened to be in the first zodiac, so we were leaving just as others were arriving |
| After two days of being indoors during the Drake, it's wonderful to be outside in the fresh air |
| There's one! |
| Out on deck watching for whales, penguins, and icebergs |
| Onward to Antarctica! |
| And another! Okay, they're everywhere now. |
| Leaving the South Shetlands behind |
| Penguins waiting to board? |