Now That's a Big Ice Cube!

The campers returned around 6 in the morning, a little cold and a lot tired.  I think they were glad they did it, but I doubt many would make a regular habit of it.  Most of them slept in bivouac bags with sleeping bags and liners.  They slept in layers of clothes to retain the heat while most slept with part of their face uncovered to get some air.  Before laying out their bags, they dug holes into the snow to get them out of most of the wind and put egg crate foam down where the melting snow can gather.  While highly discouraged, two porta barrels were brought along, fondly named Mr. & Mrs. Yum Yum, for anyone that couldn't wait to get back to the ship.  All I can say is burrrrr!

After an early breakfast we visited Neko Bay, another continental landing.  We saw more Gentoo penguins, many with their newly hatched chicks.  This bay was totally different than the others we visited because there was ice floating everywhere.  It was like being in a big, ice-filled glass of water.  We had the option of hiking up to the ridge to get better views of the bay.  It was really a spectacular view.

We then got a chance to cruise around the bay in zodiacs.  We went out to a iceberg that was at least 60 meters tall (around 180 feet).  Keep in mind that what you see above the water is only about 20% of the entire iceberg.  This means the one we were looking out would be at least 100 stories tall.  It was so big it had probably floated all the way from the other side of the continent where these big boys are calved.  We were also treated to some pretty amazing mountains surrounding the bay.  The water was so calm that we had beautiful reflections of them has we zoomed around and over the ice. 

We had lunch and early afternoon off before we reached Port Lockroy.  This former British outpost is now run by the Antarctic Historical Preservation Society.  Manned by 4 people during the summer months, the site includes a museum showing what life was like back in the 50’s, a gift shop and a postal station where many of us mailed postcards.  The museum was very interesting and provided a glimpse into their solitary life.  The men had painted pin-up pictures all around the cabin including over their beds and across from the toilet.  Hmmmm, wonder what that was about???  The mail will take 4-6 weeks to arrive via The Falklands and England.  We actually will have our passports stamped here, making our visit to Antarctica official.

We went around the point in zodiacs to visit a penguin colony and also some very lazy, sleeping seals.  We were very lucky that the mountains surrounding us were peeking out from   behind the clouds and served as a backdrop to many more penguin photos.

Dinner tonight was served on the outside deck.  Barbecue, including burgers and brats, were served with all the fixins’.  A warm spice wine warmed us up, although it really wasn't too cold outside.  

You were however inspired to eat quickly if you wanted your food to be halfway warm.  It was crazy hat night and many of the guests found ways of making some pretty interesting hats out of items found in our rooms. 

Another beautiful day in Antarctica and a heck of a way to spend our 34th Anniversary!  Tomorrow, we’re cruising through La Mer which is supposed to be quite wonderful.