Polar Plunge and other adventures

Sorry for the delay. The seas are rougher now and we are having a hard time
concentrating on things.

On Monday morning instead of a landing we did a zodiac cruise around
Paradise Bay. It was amazingly calm. We saw some beautiful leopard seals &
crabeater seals, and lots of stunning ice and glaciers.

In the afternoon we made a landing at Danko Island. On our way to shore we
saw another leopard seal resting. On shore there is a gentoo penguin colony,
and there was a steep climb up a hill to get a nice view. At the top you
could slide down the hill on your butt, lots of fun. You had to time your
slide, when there were no penguins in your path.

Tuesday morning we did a landing at Deception Island, which used to be a
whalers camp. There were tons of fur seals on the beach, and playing in the
water, and they like to chase people, so you had to keep an eye on them. We
did a short climb up to get a viewpoint. The wind was strong, and there was
blowing snow, so it wasn't ideal weather. Before heading back to the ship,
it was time for the Polar Plunge. A group of us stripped down to our bathing
suits, and made a quick dash in to the water. I remember being shocked at
how cold it was, so we got in as quick as possible and ran back out. Trying
to get dressed again was the hardest part, as your whole body was numb, and
trying to use your hands was nearly impossible! Finally we were somewhat
dressed enough to pile into the zodiac and back on to the boat, where we
rushed in to the sauna!

We are now back in the Drake Passage, heading away from Antarctica. It went
by so quickly!

Many people on the boat have been sick since we left Deception Island. We
are doing ok, not eating much, and spending a lot of time laying down, but
we haven't been sick, so we are thankful for that.

We've just got a bit of bad news, a storm is coming and the waves are
expected to be 12 meters. Wish us luck!




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