Datum: |
08.03.2024 |
Positie: |
64°48.5’S / 063°31.3W |
Wind: |
Light >5 |
Weer: |
Cloudy |
Luchttemperatuur: |
+2 |
Some were up very early this morning! 60 campers spent the night in their small dugouts and cozy sleeping bags under starry skies, going to sleep to the sound of penguins, whales breathing in the bay and glaciers calving in the distance.
The rest of us were waking up as usual to Sara’s soft voice; Good morning, good morning, good morning – rushing to the porthole – is it weather for kayaking and mountaineering? And yes, it was – kayakers set off on a calm sea with their little armada, mountaineers showing their line of silhouettes on the pristine white glacier, near the runway and Damoy Hut.
In the hut, known as the “southernmost waiting room”, there was a bit of storytelling – scientists and equipment would be shipped there, but needed to be flown another 180miles/350km’s south to the British Rothera scientific station – weather permitting!!! So, anything from a few days to more than a week, this little – but cozy hut – would be “home” for up to 15 people. 20 years of “service” from 1973 till ’93, until it no longer was needed, and it was left from one day till the next, leaving food stores, tools, sleds, everything! And no, there were no more chocolate in the drawer, labelled “chocolate” 😊
After getting all the active groups together for a delicious lunch, where experiences were discussed, we were ready for the second half of the day at Port Lockroy on Goudier Island.
Again, the activity level was high – the brave mountaineers set off with their ropes, ice axes and snowshoes, and the equally brave kayakers could enjoy yet another magnificent trip in calm conditions. Those of us on the water – zodiac cruising as well – had the privilege to see the “speedy” and often slightly skittish minke whale stay in our area for an extended time, which doesn’t happen often.
Unfortunately, the “post office” at Port Lockroy was not open for us to send a post card to our loved ones, but instead we could enjoy all the energetic gentoo penguin chicks around the buildings and their first “swimming lessons” in the ocean – cute little creatures!
Silence was enjoyed near the glacier – only the sounds of the Antarctic nature were heard – until we carried on and found an Elephant seal, Weddell seals - and a single Leopard seal – the first of many to be found in the days to come!
Late in the day - the timing was perfect – everybody came back from their activities just as it started raining a bit, enjoying a hot drink in the bar, recap, and sharing all the experiences with all our newfound friends – what a wonderful day!