Date - 28 November, 2016
Weather - Overcast, freezing, 25 knot winds in the morning and calm in the afternoon
Seas - Relatively calm, good visibility
We have walked on Antarctica! We woke surrounded by icebergs and brash ice as we made our way to anchoring at Kinnes Cove, Dundee Island which is near the channel into Antarctic Sound. Before breakfast we rugged up and we went outside to get a better view and the weather was freezing. The wind was so strong at the bow that I couldn't open my eyes and had to make a retreat behind a wall. During breakfast the ship stopped moving and there was an announcement that the ship was having mechanical problems so that caused a buzz. It seemed to be rectified in no time and we were on our way again.
We were the first zodiac group to leave the ship at ten thirty. There wasn't the swell like yesterday so it was easier getting in and out of the zodiacs. We all had multiple layers of clothing on to keep out the cold and we had barely an inch of skin showing.
We spent an hour cruising alongside the ice-covered and rocky coastline, skirting in and out of glaciers and driving through thick brash ice.
We quickly had our first sighting of Adelie Penguins which are quite small and look like the typical penguins which are drawn in cartoons. There were hundreds of them close to the shoreline as well as high up on the snowy cliffs and many were also on the icebergs. We had good conditions to see not only the many Adelie Penguins but some Gentoo Penguins, and a Weddell Seal and a Leopard Seal swimming around our zodiac. A crabeater seal was sleeping close by on sea ice. The penguins were reluctant to go into the water with the Leopard Seal lurking nearby.
We all took countless photos of the animals and the beautiful large and sculptured aqua blue icebergs. It was a good morning to be out in the zodiacs.
When we were all back on board the ship quickly pulled anchor. Whilst we were having lunch we sailed south to Brown Bluff which is on the southwestern coast of Antarctic Sound. The ship dropped anchor at two thirty.
It was our turn to be the last group to get into the zodiacs and we cruised first and then swapped and landed onto the Antarctic Continent. It was very cold and the icebergs were spectacular. In front of wind-sculptured rocks and on a stony beach we stepped ashore on Antartica.
The crew had the ship's weather-beaten Antarctic flag and we all had a turn holding it up in the strong winds and having our photo taken. It added to the excitement of walking for the first time on another continent. There were hundreds of Gentoo and Adelie Penguins nesting on the ground and they had formed their nests with the surrounding stones as there is no other choice.
We also climbed the side of the bluff to a small overhanging cave to see nesting Snow Petrels which are quite rare.
We had an amazing three hours at Brown Bluff and returned to the ship at six thirty. Prior to dinner was a recap and briefing. Two people were formally awarded the Iceberg Spotting Competition prize and one was Henk. It apparently was a dead tie so both winners each won a bottle of red wine.
It was a fantastic day. Tomorrow we continue south and deeper into Antarctica.
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