We had a very quiet night traveling south along the Grandidier Channel, a navigable channel between the west coast of Graham Land and the north end of the Biscoe Islands. This channel was named by Jean-Baptiste Charcot for Alfred Grandidier, the President of the Paris Geographical Society. National Geographic Explorer arrived at Prospect Point, our destination for the day, setting anchor at 7 a.m. Prospect Point, at 66 degrees 00'S is the most southern location in our voyage and is located very close to the Antarctic Circle (66 degrees 33'S).
As we were preparing ourselves for Zodiac and kayak cruising the climatic conditions deteriorated indicating the potential to have a wet and windy morning. Under those circumstances, kayaking was off the list and we embarked in the Zodiacs to navigate among majestic icebergs to enjoy the grandiose landscapes and to search for wildlife that inhabits this area. Besides Adélie penguins (that was our first encounter with this species!), blue-eyed shags, skuas, Antarctic terns, kelp gulls, and Wilson storm petrels, we encountered many groups of crabeater seals that were hauling out on the ice. That was also a good opportunity to experience the ice, observing the variety of icebergs of different shapes, sizes and color; the grayish sky provided for the perfect background to take photographs. The weather was nice to us and it turned to be a very pleasant and dry morning.
We had lunch while National Geographic Explorer navigated along the Penola Strait up north. The scenery was getting better and better and we enjoyed the vast landscape, icebergs, and hanging glaciers during our exploration of the area. After searching for a while, the captain identified a solid and safe piece of fast ice and maneuvered the ship so as to cut through the ice. After checking the ice conditions, we decided to get “on land” (to walk on the fast ice). Our brave expedition leader, Lisa, went first, jumping off the ship and landing on the ice to check the solidness of the fast ice. The decision was made and we all disembarked and spent several hours walking on the white surface, surrounded by breathtaking views of the mountain ridges and glaciers. The gray clouds gave space to the sun, and we were able to enjoy a sunny, quiet, and peaceful afternoon. The kitchen staff organized a fantastic barbeque on the ice…what a wonderful experience to gather on the ice and socialize over good sausages and beer! This was an unforgettable experience that I know will be with us for many years to come….
We cleared the area and continued our voyage traveling up north, towards Palmer Station, the U.S. research station on the Antarctic Peninsula where we aim at making a visit tomorrow morning.
