Bev Brooks

We woke to a heavy sea so the kayaking this morning was canceled. Instead it is a land visit to Usefull Island via the Zodiac's. All guests are split into 2 groups to facilitate easier landings. Each zodiac takes approx 10 people ashore.

Prior to a landing staff go out to scout the area - marking dangerous areas , the perimeter and the best walking route to points of interest. Antartica gets approx 3 meters of snow a year so it is very soft underfoot and easy to end up thigh deep. It is also important to fill in any deep holes if the penguins fall in they may not get out.

We put on our full expedition gear before heading to the Zodiac. The trip is about 5 minutes to landing. Today there are both Gentoo and Chinstrap penquins as well as an elephant seal. I have to say the smell of penquin poo is quite overwhelming. At this time of year the penquins are nesting - I watch them steal pepples from other nests to add to there own.

The seal is lounging not far away with not a care on the world. While is the bay there are about 7 penquins having a grand time swimming and diving.

The view from land is spectacular as well with once again the lovely translucent blue icebergs. About 11 it is time to get back on board and head to Neko Harbour.

What a magnificent harbour, there are icebergs everywhere and we are surrounded on 3 sides by glaciers. Just magic.

It is very sheltered and the kayaks are out again. Eager to get off the boat once again we head out. Today we are entering and departing the kayaks via the Zodiac's - this is a recipe for disaster. Luckily i get in without ending in the water. Erin and I take off keeping close to Calee, the kayak master. All I can say is OMG how magic is this place. Soon we are up a channel surrounded by ice, crunching through it. I learnt there are growlers and bergy bits then ice bergs. Kayaking through them was an adventure. Listening to the sounds of Antarctica - the groaning of the glacial snow, the crackling of the ice and the squarking pf penguins.

On our way back to the boat we hit a beefy bit , Erin and I were lucky not to end in the water today. There were a few rocky moments. To get out of the kayak was another story. I struggled getting out gracefully so ended head first into the zodiac with my legs on the air.

Tonight was camping night, I had paid for this but sore ears and throat I decided to give it a miss. I do not want to get sick and miss out on kayaking. Mel and Erin head out while I stay on board.

There are a few quests still on board Callee suggests we get some artic ice to enjoy with our drinks. AB one of the staff soon arrives with a bergy bit on his back for our drinks. A nice baileys it is before I head to the hot tub at 1Am for a dip before bed.Les mer

We woke to much calmer seas and the first sightings of ice bergs and whales. Finally things are going to start to get interesting.

Before going on land all your outter gear needs to be vacuumed to clear biosecurity requirements. We also were given a presentation on rules governing how close to animals, what rules around the whole polar region.

As I have elected to go kayaking it was also compulsory to do a kayak briefing. We are supplied with a dry suit , skirt and life jacket. Undernearh I will wear a set of thermals. Finally we will get of the boat in Yankee Harbour.

Most passengers well head to shore today but the lucky 14 kayakers will be all by ourselves. After another safety briefing we are off. Today we entered and left the kayaks on land.
Almost immediately there are 3 humpback whales there to entertain us. We follow them for about an hour watching them play on the waters of Yankee Harbour. Then back to the shore line to watch the Genloo penguins and seals. The penguins are so cute climbing up the land.

Then we see a leopard seal lounging on the ice. He is massive maybe 2 meters long. A leopard seal can eat 7 penguins on an hour. Obviously this one has had a feed as he looks very content.

We continue to kayak towards the glacier - the colous are amazing the most vivid blue , nearly translucent. Again we come across another leopard seal and then another. Last trip they didn't see any at all.

While kayaking you can hear the ice crackling and the glacier moaning. It so peaceful gliding along. We were on the water for approx 3 hours.

Once back on board it is cocktail hour and then dinner. Dinner is 3 courses with soup starter, salads normally choice of 4 mains and 4 desserts. The staff are so accommodating - nothing is too much to ask.Les mer