Saturday, March 16, 2013

New experiences!

While we typically try to keep the same schedule, for meals and landing times, things can change quickly.

This morning we woke up early to go outside as we crossed through the narrow Lamaire Channel. It was quite beautiful especially as the sun rose but it was very difficult to stand outside at 6:45 in the cold with the wind.

The best thing today was the unexpected announcement that there were two Orca Whales right next to our boat. We all ran up to the front and I got a great spot at the top where I could see them swimming and coming up through the water. It was amazing! One of the expedition leaders said that in the last 7 trips they've only seen Orcas one other time.  You really knew it was exciting when the kitchen staff runs outside with their aprons on and their cameras in their hands.

In addition to that excitement, we also did a landing at the Ukrainian station - Vernadsky. This is where I mailed my postcards because Port Lockroy is already closed for the season. I sent out a lot of them but they may take a long time to get to people because the will probably go through Kiev. Let me know when they show up!

We also made a landing on Peterman Island where we searched for the elusive Adelie Penguins.  These were the only species left in Antarctica that we could possibly see and their breeding season ends earlier than the others so we weren't sure if we'd see them. We stuggled to find them at first but we did find them. They are smaller than all of the other species we have seen.

The whole day was another amazing experience. I still can't believe I'm really here.  Tonight we started heading back North but I don't ever want it to end. 

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