Where We Be
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| Antarctica -- Lemaire Channel |
The Lemaire Channel is one of the scenic high-
lights of any cruise to Antarctica. We were lucky
enough to pass through it twice -- once on the
way down to Petermann Island (home of adelie
and other penguins), and again on the way back
at "sunset" (although the sun never really sets
here). This is as far south as we ventured on
this particular cruise.
We lucked out and had our sunniest day of the
trip so far, which was perfect, because the
Lemaire Channel deserves nothing less. This
narrow channel is about seven miles long and
2,000 feet wide at its narrowest point. Our guide
Martin said that over the past two years they
hadn't been able to pass through it even once
because it was blocked by so much ice. Even
this year was a navigational challenge, with
several enormous icebergs nearly blocking the
path. But our little ship did great, and the
scenery to either side was fantastic.
Most of these photos don't require captions --
just enjoy the beauty of one of the most
scenically inspiring places in the world.
lights of any cruise to Antarctica. We were lucky
enough to pass through it twice -- once on the
way down to Petermann Island (home of adelie
and other penguins), and again on the way back
at "sunset" (although the sun never really sets
here). This is as far south as we ventured on
this particular cruise.
We lucked out and had our sunniest day of the
trip so far, which was perfect, because the
Lemaire Channel deserves nothing less. This
narrow channel is about seven miles long and
2,000 feet wide at its narrowest point. Our guide
Martin said that over the past two years they
hadn't been able to pass through it even once
because it was blocked by so much ice. Even
this year was a navigational challenge, with
several enormous icebergs nearly blocking the
path. But our little ship did great, and the
scenery to either side was fantastic.
Most of these photos don't require captions --
just enjoy the beauty of one of the most
scenically inspiring places in the world.
| By 4 pm, when we passed through the Lemaire Channel, it was frigidly cold at the bow of the ship, but the scenery was just too good to stay indoors |
| A Weddell seal checks us out as we return to the ship in our zodiac |
| In this image, imperial shags mix right in with gentoo penguins. You can see the shags' chicks (brown and quite large) in the same nest. |
| Even though adelie penguins (the ones with all-black heads) are the smallest penguin species in Antarctica, they are known for being aggressive -- our guide described them as "bullies" |
| It's easy to see how the Lemaire Channel could be blocked by icebergs in previous years. One benefit of a smaller expedition ship is being able to navigate narrow passages like this. |
| View looking aft after having passed through the narrowest point of the Lemaire Channel |
| Lemaire Channel -- First Crossing |
| Petermann Island |
| Lemaire Channel at "Sunset" |
| Penguin sliding on its belly |
| An imperial shag spreads its wings -- much longer than any penguin's |
| These two penguins mated, then bowed to each other! |
| Gentoo penguin up close |
| Our last view of the Lemaire Channel looking aft |