Antarctica 2019

Woke up to news that Weddell Sea was unusually ice free, and weather was perfect, so we had diverted to the Weddell Sea for the day, to head to Snow Hill Island.

Woke up at 3.30 after about 3 hours sleep - why did I pick the previous night as the one night of the cruise to sample the sambucca available on board?

Went onto balcony at 3.30 as sun was coming up shining across the James Ross Mountains. Plenty of ice-floes, whales, penguins and spectacular mountain scenery. But after about 1/2 hour we passed a flat flow where a leopard seal had just killed a penguin and dragged it across the flies, leaving a bright red stripe. I didn't have camera to hand so no photo.

Next event was the sighting of a few Emperors (penguins). Then to Snow Hill, almost legendary amongst Antarctic cruisers. Hut of Otto Nordenskjöld, Swedish explorer who ended up here with his team In 1902.

Happened to have a couple of golf clubs and balls, so the Snow Hill Open was held for the first time.

Next the ship team found a suitable ice flies, and set up a champagne bar with snacks with Cockburn Island in the background. Just fantastic.

Captain Marchesaux next job was to head to Finland to learn how to drive and icebreaker. So he put the ship through it's paces by finding some suitably thin ice and heading through.

Day ended as we headed back north we spotted a pod of Orca trying to wash a penguin or two off an iceberg.

Finally, the sunset over some of the vast tabular bergs that float around here.

Up at 03.30, never felt the slightest bit tired, one of the great days.Read more