Bergs and penguins!

28.11.23 Whales?

I think this is officially Drake’s Lake… how fortunate. Despite this a number of passengers have not ventured out of their cabins with a few just making it to mandatory sessions and then running out to do the necessary. What a shame for them.

Realising there is a big group here who are all high achieving entrepreneurs coming on a trip with Sir John Key (Ex NZ President) who did a talk today and seems is a good friend of our new UK foreign minister.

There have been a couple of shouts for “whales!” but don’t think any of the guests have yet catch a glimpse. Otherwise, we plough on towards the peninsular and my new work place until February.

29.11.23

I’m still standing and eating! The power of the scopoderm patch, I am so lucky have not been my usual seas sick self. Yesterday had Captain’s dinner and cocktails….. yeh I know madness! Met a 12y old boy from Mumbai having a trip of a lifetime with his Dad. Great age to get inspired by such a trip.

So, this morning I went straight up to viewing deck to watch albatrosses and other birds following the boat. Bird guide identifying many of them only two of us on deck and then the first whale (humpback)… was there, surfaced about three times and was gone… they say the early bird captures the worm……in this case oh so true…..whale…. how amazing! No photos just memories. Later was first iceberg and bergy bits floating passed. It’s snowing now and icy outside…. Exciting (brief video).

There are various briefings going on this morning for those who have signed up for kayaking, camping overnight somewhere on the peninsular and other adventures in the next few days….. not for me, I’ve got my own adventure ahead of me….

There is the polar plunge that might happen while I still sailing to Port Lockroy but not sure that’s for me. Basically, strip of to your bathers jump in the water and out all in a couple of seconds. I just think, do I need to do this, except to be challenged? For me a cold shower or getting into the sea in Harris is challenge enough, so think I’ll be skipping that one.

Went to the bridge, Captain very chilled…. on his mobile!! We have reached peninsular!

Bergy bits everywhere and land… yeh! Penguins in and out of water and another whale while at the bridge. Things are hotting up wildlife wise… or cooling down perhaps..

So before I sign off what are the best things since I last wrote:

Temperature going down
Starting to snow and first berg
No seasickness (yeh!)
Watching birds flying around the boat effortlessly, chinstrap penguins in the water

Apricot patisserie for breakfast 🙂