Another early morning so we chose having breakfast delivered to our room. There were a few options for the morning landing – Advanced Hikers who would be hiking to the highest point on Danco Island and a 360-degree view of the area. Less advanced hikers who would hike halfway to a rookery. The last group would be Zodiac cruising around the island along with kayakers who would be taking to the water.
We chose to be the Advanced Hikers. There were points which were slippery; the
walking sticks provided by the Cruise were helpful. It was overcast and snowing which prevented a
clear view of the area, but it was still a spirited, invigorating hike. We saw younger penguin still with their
mothers at this rookery to be seen. By
the end of the hike, we were a bit sweaty from the hike.
We had time to relax before lunch while the ship was
repositioning. It was going through a
beautiful channel full of large icebergs and glaciers. Bonus was the humpback whale which swam along
the ship at various times.
Our group would be the last for Zodiac tour this afternoon
which allowed us time to rest and catch up on this blog! Plus, Michael, the Cruise Director, announced
that the Polar Plunge would be held after all the Zodiac Landing! This is an activity to not ruminate about –
just make the decision to do it and jump!
Our afternoon landing was to Neko Harbor where there was a
Gentoo Penguin colony. This would be our
actual Antarctica Continental landing.
For some passengers, it was their 7th Continent to
visit. It was the 5th
Continent for several in our group. The
photographer was taking photos of everyone with the Antarctic Flag. We also brought a few additional flags of our
own for photos – Pelotonia, Dream Vacations and Ohio State-Michigan State House
Divided Flag.
The penguin had created quite a highway system from the rocky
beach area to the top of the rookery. To
maintain proper distance between us and the penguins, we had to give them the
right of way when coming to a highway intersection. They were quite entertaining – one stopped at
the intersection trying to decide which direction to take, then it started
scratching itself, preening until it finally decided to move on which allowed
us to start moving again. In the
meantime, three other penguins had come and gone.
We walked to the top of the rookery – not as extensive of a
hike as the morning hike but still a bit of a climb. From the top, we were able to see the
beautiful colors of the bay water and intricate blues of a glacier. Jenna, Melanie, and Gary continued the hike
to the bottom of the rookery. The rest
of us chose to stay at the top because we did not want to walk to the bottom
then back to the top – it was an in and out hike.
Jenna, Melanie, and Gary were able to hear then see the
calving of the glacier up close. When
calving occurs, swells are produced from the new icebergs displacing the
water. The swells were so large that
Jean-Luc, the Head Guide, questioned whether we would be able to continue the
Zodiac transfers. We did manage to
complete the Zodiac transfers. Loading
and unloading was delayed while the swells dissipated. This resulted in a few of the full Zodiacs
having to wait in the bay for an extra Zodiac cruise.
We were the last group to return from the Island. Next was Polar Plunge! Participants were walking around the ship
with their robes over the swimsuits and cruise slippers. Gen and Pete would be our official
photographers from their balcony while the rest of us took the plunge.
We were called to the Mud Room in the same groups as our
Zodiac groups. Our group would be the
last with Melanie being THE LAST jumper.
While we were waiting, Sheridan managed to nab four tequila shots for us
to enjoy while waiting in line. The
shots were actually for after the jump, but we had time waiting. Plus, we were enjoying music thanks to
Jenna’s playlist and Gary’s Bluetooth speaker.
The whole process was well orchestrated with many of the
crew assisting. Two Zodiacs were in the
water – one held the ship’s photographer.
One of the guides checked us in and explained the process. A crew member took our robe and kept the
slippers organized. A belt was placed on our waist which a rope would be
attached. Two crew explained how to jump
(to the left because the current was moving to the right), where to look (at
the photographer in the Zodiac), then offer our right arm to him when coming up
the ladder.
The jump happened so fast – I barely had time to think. I do remember getting water in my mouth
though none went up my nose. I
immediately turned back to the ship, grabbed the rope to return to the
ladder. After being escorted back into
the ship, a dry towel was provided, our robe and the tequila shot. 71 passengers took the plunge and 4 dipped
their toes in the 32.5F water.
After long, hot showers, we enjoyed the Italian themed
dinner together.
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