How could a day be better than this? A look outside our windows this morning confirmed our suspicions. Paradise! Beyond plenty of perfect icebergs we saw impressive looking peaks looming in the distance. Yet our excitement for the day’s activities grew even more when Bud announced that it would be a good day for our first kayak outing.
Beckoning us ashore at Cuverville Island were thousands of gentoo penguins. Irresistible chicks grabbed the focus of our cameras first. Radiant sunshine highlighted the shapes and shadows of the nearby icebergs and drew our attention from land to water. Those of us with an eye for adventure went for a slide down the slippery snow-packed hill. How fun it was to do something we had not done since childhood.
Daring to add one more activity to an already delightful morning, many of us went kayaking too. A sense of awe surrounded us as we paddled quietly in such a magical place. Yellow kayaks transported us both across the water and to a world of peace and quietude.
Moving between morning and afternoon locations became an event in itself. Outdoing themselves once again, our chefs and hotel department served lunch out on deck (yes, it was that warm). Many years will pass before we have such spectacular scenery for a barbecue.
In the mid-afternoon we went out to explore Neko Harbor. Landing on the rocky shore, many of us chose the distant outcrop as our destination. Onward we hiked, up and up to reach our reward. Views of the massive tidewater glacier down below us put it all in a new perspective. Even though we could have stayed all day, there was one more adventure to have, a Zodiac cruise in Anvord Bay.
You never know what you will find when you are out in Zodiacs. Our afternoon was full of ice sculptures as well as Weddell and crabeater seals. Unusual for Antarctica, we also found Vikings… though these were delivering hot chocolate and schnapps, so we welcomed them with open arms.
So, you would think it is time for bed after such a busy day, right? Ultimately we will get there, but not right now. Evening lighting is the best and we are entering the gorgeous Lemaire Channel. Perhaps we will catch up on sleep another time, for now we will celebrate this gorgeous night outside.
