Antarctica - Days 1 to 4 of our ultimate bucket list trip!
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- Опубликовано: 20 апр 2024
- The first four days of our ultimate bucket list trip on board MV Hondius by Oceanwide Expeditions! Day 1. It was time to head SOUTH! Deep south. We embarked on our new home for the coming weeks - Hondius！
As we went up the gangway and met our trip companions, staff and crew it was almost time to wave goodbye to Ushuaia. A bit of ship orientantion, luggage alocation, a safety briefing and first drinks at the bar, got us ready to go out through the Beagle Channel.
Pippa introduced herself as our Expedition Leader. Captain, Remmert-Jan Koster, came down from the bridge to introduce himself and commance the journey. With a glass of champagne or a non-alcoholic equivalent we raised our glasses to a succesful trip. As we finally pushed off the dock we were a little distracted with a double rainbow that showed up as a sign this journey will for sure be one to remember!
Day 2. As we sailed across the Drake Passage, notorious for its tumultuous waters, we were greeted by an unexpected calmness. The waves were gentle, measuring no more than 2 meters in height. Among them were the black-browed albatrosses and the majestic southern royal albatross, with wingspans spanning up to 3.5 meters!
Day 3. We were lucky enough to see a few black browed albatrosses today, just like some other bird’s species, like the grey-headed albatrosses, the southern fulmars and even some chinstraps porpoising! Everybody was intrigued by these giants that spend almost all of their lives on sea. We were surprised by some whale blows of fin whales and even our first icebergs sightings! Seeing the first icebergs, and even a fur seal which popped up out of the water, we were definitely coming closer to Antarctica.
Day 4. After two days sailing through the Drake Passage, which was neither a lake nor a shake but rather a journey through gentle waves, we reached Antarctica. We spent most of the early morning hours standing on deck or at the windows to take in our first sight of the white continent.
At very slow speed the officers attentively navigated the Hondius through a narrow passage within uncharted waters passing majestic icebergs of various shapes, sizes, and colours. Their beauty was taking our breath away.
After lunch life on the ship got busy. Dressed in red jackets, lifejackets, hats and gloves, the guides headed downstairs to launch and prepare the boats for our very first zodiac cruise. Then the long-awaited call sounded over the speaker system: “Dear guests. Please make your way to the shell door on deck 3.” Although stepping into the zodiac was very easy as the water was as calm as a mirror, we all followed the routine taught the day before: Both hands free, sailors grip, 1, 2, 3 steps and immediate sitting. Each driver also took the time to explain all relevant safety aspects. If there had been any nervousness among us at all it disappeared quickly as we slowly drove into the most amazing landscape, we had ever seen.
And then our exploration around the Fish Islands consisting of several small rocky islands named after fish like Salmon, Mackerel, Trout. About 4000 pairs of Adelie penguins breed here during the summer months. Many of which we had the pleasure to watch quite up close.
Ice was omnipresent with artistically sculptured icebergs of various sizes, floating growlers, and transparent ice of very old age. Alert we all looked out for wildlife either on land and ice or in the air and water.
Soon we discovered our first marine mammal. The deeply sleeping Leopard seal did not show any reaction at all to our approach. The Weddell seal near-by however lifted its head following us with its dark big eyes.
Throughout the cruise each and every one of us built up a different personal story of observations, emotions, and excitement. The latter increased dramatically when an Antarctic minke whale curiously approached a zodiac, passing alongside and underneath to take a closer look at this floating object. The interaction lasted so that other boats could enjoy the close encounter with this rather elusive but absolutely beautiful whale species.
Then it was time to head over to Prospect Point. On higher ground we could make out a dozen pillars made of concrete, the last remains of Base J from the British Antarctic Survey. The building was only occupied from 1957 - 59 and removed in 2004. Close by some scientific equipment indicated that studies are still carried out with modern and remote instruments.
Excited we swung our legs, feet towards the water, over the pontoon to touch Antarctica for the very first time and to walk on beautiful rocks of past geological times.
Eventually all zodiacs headed back to the ship. On time for a short break and another nutritious and tasty diner.
Our first day in Antarctica surely was memorable triggering our urge for more.
@OceanwideExpeditions @oceanwideexpeditions7753 @OceanwideExp
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Love from India
Gracias Sam y Mónica por compartir sus increíbles viajes. Con seguridad nunca estaré por allí. Razones? Mucho frío, poco accesible, costoso, la fauna del polo Sur la tenemos acá en Ecuador con paisajes y climas propios de nuestra latitud.
En todo caso si es un lugar de gran belleza y me alegro que ustedes lo disfruten.
Sigan disfrutando de su encantadora aventura.
Saludos desde Jambelí de Mary y míos😊. 37:12 37:12
❤❤ just awesome ❤
Thank you.
Absolutely fantastic ❤🎉. Wishing you safe travels...Great adventures.
Thank you.
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