We have passed ice bergs that are longer and taller than our ship! Most of the morning was fog and light rain. We donned our raingear saving our parkas for later when we went ashore.
In the morning we went ashore at Neko Harbor. The captain ran our ship right up to shallow water. This was our first steps on the continent of Antarctica. Ashore we saw many Gentoo penguins busy feeding chicks or sitting on their eggs. Also we took a little hike to a slightly higher elevation before we returned to the ship. The conditions were reminiscent of spring skiing. (My foot is rapidly improving but much of the walking ashore is on very uneven and today slippery ground which is a challenge!)
Late morning we went kayaking among the icebergs and smaller brash ice. Beforehand I watched as they lower the inflatables and kayaks. Wish I had a picture of us in the kayaks. Yet another view of Antarctica!
More icebergs after lunch.
After all the excitement of the morning we didn't think it could get any better. The captain found many humpback whales and we followed them for at least an hour. One drifted alongside the ship and from above we could see his entire body in the clear blue water.
Mid afternoon we anchored in Paradise Harbor and went on inflatable cruises among the ice floes and along the shore line.....more whales right besides our boat. Before heading back to the ship we were intercepted by another inflatable which served us cookies and piping hot Glogg(spiced wine). A wonderful day and they tell us more excitement to come!
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