Day 8
Today is our last day of zodiac exploring before we start our way back across the Drake Passage this evening. The ship dropped anchor just inside a bay on Livingstone Island. The swell was high at the gangway and landing points on Hannah Point making the zodiac outing a little more exciting. Trickier loading/unloading, rougher rides and sea spray. There were times when the waves were much higher than the horizon. You saw sky, wave, sky, wave, sky, horizon,wave...... Once on shore there were penguins and seals everywhere. The rocky to black sand beaches were densely populated with chinstrap and gentoo penguins. Here the chicks are about 3 weeks of age. Only one macaroni penguin was amongst the bunch. The smell of penguin poop is in the air. 150 Elephant seals line the shores. The elephant seals have made their way here from South Georgia Islands to moult and rest. We slowly trekked our way across the beach, doing our best to stay 5 meters from the critters, while enjoying the sunshine and the sights and sounds around us. The waves crashing on the sandy beaches with a backdrop of snow covered mountains was unexpected to me. Beautiful!
Mom and I decided this would be our last zodiac excursion. We will take advantage of this afternoon and prepare ourselves for the return trip across the Drake with a shower and nap.
Lunch: Cold plate buffet and a jelly roll like dessert with cherry topping.
The ship entered Bransfield Strait as we made our way to McFarland Strait for the next stop in Yankee Harbour. This is the last on-shore visit for hiking, strolling and polar dipping. Again the wildlife was plentiful and the sights, serene.
A charity auction of items for Oceanites, South Georgia Historic Society and RCGS was held prior to the cruises Champaign Toasts to a great time.....but remember it is bad luck to clink the glasses.
Dinner was a wrapped chicken breast stuffed with Brie, scalloped potatoes, vegetables and chocolate brownie dessert.
We have enjoyed the company of fellow Canadians, Evelyn, Pearl, Michael McDonald and Andrew Prossin.
By 9 pm, we have entered the Drake and the motion begins. Mom is trying the acupressure wrist bands while I donned the patch.
10:45 pm and we are tucked in as the ship rocks and rolls lull us into slumber.
No comments:
Post a Comment