Although we are well on our way along the Antarctic Peninsula, the captivating landscape out the window never fails to amaze. Early in the morning, we continued south through the Lemaire Channel, a narrow and breathtaking gauntlet of beauty. Steep glacier walls rise from the sea on both sides of the ship and witnessing them crumbling into the ocean is a lucky encounter. Wind and rain greeted us at Booth Island, but did not stop intrepid guests and expedition staff for a trip ashore to view the trifecta of Adelie, chinstrap, and Gentoo penguins all at one landing. Meanwhile, divers explored the steep drop below the surface where anemones, sea cucumbers, and notothenid fishes (icefish) live among the carpet of kelps.
Aiming for shelter from the wind, we made our way along the Peltier Channel to Borgen Bay, where calm waters allowed for exploring the bay up close. Both kayakers and Zodiac passengers enjoyed humpback whales (some just a kayak paddle-length away!) and leopard seals lounging on the icebergs. The beauty found beyond each glacier confirms that with each change in the wind, the Antarctic will inevitably live up to its reputation of wonder.
