Polar Plunges

Todays the day we will try to do our polar plunge. First stop was at the Polish Station this is manned and is mainly used for researching the effect of krill and penquin numbers. Unfortunately it is too rough for kayaking again.
On the Zodiac's we are warned we may get wet it didnt take a minute until we were all sprayed. Thank goodness for our waterproof expedition gear.

The island has gentoo penquins and elephant seals. There is a family of seals all piled on top of each other trying to keep warm. The juveniles are jostling for position. This was originally a whaling station - scattered all over the island were various whale bones just left where they were slaughtered.
This was the last landing on the continent.

Back on board heading for another landing on the South Shetland Islands. While cruising I get a text from Telstra welcoming me to Uruguay - I believe there is a station nearby. I even get a couple of messages from home.

It is very windy and a strong current. The captain decides to change route to head to Half Moon Island. What a beautiful setting, the sun is out the sky is clear, although the wind is blowing.

Time for the polar plunge - Erin and I are at the front of the queue. We have arranged with Jan , the boat manager, for AB and Callee to also do the plunge. Its ABs birthday and Callee last trip. For the plunge a rope is tied around your waist there is also a safety zodiac. Off the end of the boat you jump off a Zodiac into the sea. It is -1.8 degrees centigrade. Omg it is cold but only last a short time. All up 51 people do the plunge.

Once again it is too windy to kayak such a pity as this is our last opportunity. So as an alternative most kayakers wear the dry suit to land we will plunge again at the island. Our last landing is just beautiful the chinstrap penquins are very cute.

We all gather before heading back to the ship to run into the ocean to test out the dry suits. We stay dry but it is a cold trip back to the boat.

Tonight is party night for ABs birthday then time to jump into the hot tub to watch the sun come up. We even got tp watch some whales under the new sunもっと詳しく