Last evening, and early into this morning, the wind picked up, and the Caledonian Star captain and expedition leader decided to head west for better weather. As we awoke this morning, we realized why Antarctica is known for such unrelenting harshness, yet astounding scenery. Although the wind had picked up to 60 knots, the scenery was absolutely spectacular. The sun shone brightly on the mammoth tabular icebergs, showing them in all their majesty. The choppy seas only added to the spectacle, as the waves crashed into the bases of the bergs, only to find the berg impenetrable and wash out again in a large cloud of foam and spray. One iceberg was particularly interesting, as it had an archway through the center of it, making for some amazing photographic opportunities.
As we headed further west this afternoon, down the Bransfield Straight, and then to the entrance of Charcot Bay, we came across a Humpback Whale. The whale played around the Caledonian Star for what seemed like an eternity, showing its exceptionally long white flippers and speckled belly, almost as if to say "Hello." The whale dove under the ship several times, but never stayed further than 5 meters away: An amazing spectacle. Then with a final blow, it decided to move on.
