Port Charcot - 65 degrees south

Lots of snow , ice and a penguin colony. Weather is grey, windy and with an icy drizzle, the zodiac driver said this was normal for this time of year and should expect same for rest of the trip. Due to the weather the snowshoeing, kayaking and overnight camping events were cancelled. However, some events were still planned and we were scheduled for both a zodiac trip and a landing, the downside was our groups timings were late at 16:00 and 18:30 respectively. We both went on the zodiac trip where we visited a group of icebergs. An interesting fact provided by the guide is that the iceberg can appear white or blue de pending on how compressed the ice has become, as they become more compressed the colour appears to change from white to blue when the light hits and penetrates the berg, very compressed and only the blue spectrum light. Heading back to the ship at high speed against the wind had waves regularly splashing over the bow of the zodiac, needless to say we ended up very wet. Karen had had enough and an hour later it was just myself heading to deck 3 for the shuttle to Antarctica. Problem here was that the penguins were occupying the normal landing place, an alternative sight was found, but was not particularly friendly. Had to disembark into the sea, my second step went down an extra few inches just avoiding the boot filling with cold sea water. Then had to wait in the water until the returning passengers descended the rocks to get into the zodiac before we could ascend being passed between expedition team people strategically placed on the rocks to provide a helping hand and instructions on where to place feet. Arriving on land, actually a mix of crisp ice and penguin guano, I took my 2 walking sticks and headed on the route to the penguin colony. I probably only went half way but did see plenty of penguins. Joined the queue to get back, by this time it was empty zodiacs coming back from the ship so loading was quicker although when descending the rocks were told not to touch them to steady yourself just grab hold of a Hurtigruiten person, by now they had rigged up a plank for you to equally perilously walk along to get back into the zodiac. Back just before 20:00 so quick removal of wet clothing and boots and dash to restaurant before it closed. Arriving with 2 other couples who had similarly just made it back we were allocated to the Captain’s table being the only one left. I spent the meal talking to a retired Scottish solicitor who practiced in Portsmouth and now lives in Petersfield. Getting back to the cabin just after 10, I strategically placed my wet clothing across the heated bathroom floor before bed. (Picture 1 is the penguins occupying the usual landing place.)Read more