I took over 1000 pictures today.
It was my lucky day. One of the best of my life I'd say. And if you are as half into this Antarctic adventure as I am, it's your lucky day too. Standby for a TON of pictures!
First... from the ship and around the ship as we cruised into Neko Harbor.
Neko Harbor was icy but the land was more choked with heavy snow and ice. There were NO landing sites to be found after the scout team investigated and so for today, the adventures were to be had from a Zodiac only. We went out twice!
Turns out the best views and the most magnificent encounters could only have been had by Zodiac. The universe unfolded a beautiful plan for us and we lapped up every minute.
This Weddell seal is a little on the homely side. Perhaps resembling a jack-o-lantern more than I would have expected, but he grew on me and besides, I already had a few hundred pics of cute (penguins) and I thoroughly enjoyed the wild-side of Antarctica - animals that work hard to survive and the scars that life leaves on them.
Parts of Neko Harbor were filled with brash ice and it was AMAZING to push through it. Hear it. Feel it. Become part of it.
Jonathan had this great idea that we'd launch our Zodiac onto a piece of the sea ice and actually get out and stand on it. No-one had ever, or would ever again step foot on this frozen sea water atop of unfrozen sea water!
More penguins on ice...
These two little chinstrap penguins had no issues posing for us from every angle too.
And finally, the whales. Just as we were making our way back to the Ocean Endeavour, we were informed that Minke whales were in the neighborhood and our outstanding Jason made the call to delay our return - miss our "bridge approved", return time slot - if you will, so we could partake in what can only be described as a breathtaking and privileged encounter.
Now you know why my day was so very special. Why this post lacks the words to describe the way I felt and how Antarctica won a place in my heart that will never be replaced.
