Live from the Wind(s) of Antarctica. Dec. 19, 2023.

twangster · January 1

The wind was pushing the ice into the same area of the sound where we were and over the radio I could hear they abandoned the concept of a shore landing. The ice was too thick at the shoreline and it was all the ship could do to keep the side gates operational for loading and unloading zodiacs.

The Adélie didn't mind the ice.

twangster · January 1

I understand a later group made it to shore but they found themselves ice bound for a little while, or so the story goes as told by fellow travelers.

Here a zodiac is being used for ice management.

Just as we were to unload an urgent call over the radio informed the crew to close the side gate.

Approaching ice required the ship to reposition and the platforms must be closed for this maneuver.

A few minutes later and the side gates was once again available.

A zodiac selfie from my 360 camera:

Edited January 1 by twangster

twangster · January 1

Back on board from my suite I could see the source of the bridge and expedition's team stress.

This large sheet of ice was coming right for us and it was just one of many.

twangster · January 1

Despite the challenges from the wind driven ice everyone was back on board safely and we prepared to depart.

Lunch as served as we moved up the sound to our next stop at Hope Bay.

I arrived back at my suite after lunch just in time to see the ship passing through some brash ice.

LouChamp · January 1

Aloha. Beautiful photos and thank you for sharing. Brings back wonderful memories. A happy and healthy and blessed new year!

twangster · January 1

The sight of an Argentinian research station marked our arrival at Hope Bay.

Around the corner the hills were covered with nesting penguins.

The weather turned and it began to snow.

twangster · January 1

Time for a zodiac tour!

Base Esperanza.

More Adélie penguins! These guys are so cute!

A Weddell seal resting on the ice.

twangster · January 1

This curious Adélie popped in for a visit.

I thought this was an Antarctic Shag but our zodiac driver and guide Damon called it an Antarctic Cormorant.

Damon should know. He maintains a great website:

https://www.ecosystem-guides.com/

twangster · January 1

The Antarctic Marine Patrol were busting zodiac drivers who were going too fast near the penguins.

Actually it was just ship crew operating a bar zodiac offering hot chocolate and mulled wine.

twangster · January 1

Penguins have a bit of a lemming quality. When one decides to jump in often many react and follow.

twangster · January 1

After bopping around the edge of the ice for a bit it was time to end our zodiac tour.

A very enjoyable tour.

drron29 · January 1

The Adelies are my favourite penguins.We landed on the Antarctic Continent back in 2011.No problem then to lie down on the ice which always intrigued the Adelies so in a short time you had several andelies inspecting you.

On one occasion I was taking a photo of a dead penguin. You could sense that they thought me stupid taking a picture of a dead penguin rather than the live ones.

twangster · January 1

New Years Eve aboard the Silver Wind.

To give folks some extra time tonight the daily briefing was moved to 19:00. Time for a pre-briefing beverage with music by Tomás.

In the briefing our expedition team leader Gert explained the challenges the ship faced at Brown Bluff. This position track shows all the maneuvering the bridge team had to do given the wind and ice.

The goal for tomorrow is a hike at Orne Harbor, weather permitting. Zodiac tours will be offered for those not up for a hike that will include a brief shore landing.

We will reposition the ship down the Antarctic Peninsula through a known whale hotspot.

These areas are protected with strict speed restrictions so we will have a leisurely morning and an afternoon arrival planned for Orne Harbor.

A New Year's Eve Gala dinner in The Restaurant followed at 18:15.

twangster · January 1

Shortly before midnight I ventured upstairs to the party going on in the Panorama Lounge. First a stop outside to see what it's like in the short overnight darkness this far South.

Flat seas and minimal wind. Perfect.

Edited January 1 by twangster

twangster · January 1

I'm keeping this photo dark and slightly blurry to avoid displaying faces. Needless to say there was a party going on.

twangster · January 1

A few minutes before midnight we made our way outside to the pool deck.

The Captain led our countdown.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

twangster · January 1

And that is how you ring in a new year in the Antarctic!

twangster · January 1

Day Fourteen, Orne Harbor, Antarctica

New Years Day

Position report:

Balcony observation:

Whales!

twangster · January 1

Day 14 Chronicle:

1 JAN - Orne Harbour Antarctica.pdf

twangster · January 1

Beautiful morning as we slowly make our way through the whale zones.

You know you've seen a lot of whales when you can't be bothered to take any more pictures of them.

The ice sculpture remains!

The Atlas World Voyager.

twangster · January 1

Continuing down the peninsula.

The wind has picked up but it's a glorious day.

So many whales.

At one point I came back to my suite to warm up. A massive waterspout appeared right off my balcony. Then a whale came into sight and with a flick of its massive tail it slid below the surface. It was no more than thirty feet from me. Wow!