Stunningly Beautiful Antarctica

Paradise Bay, Antarctica Saturday, Feb 18th

By midafternoon yesterday I had sought refugee in my cabin. This shot was taken thru the glass door of my veranda. Though the storm had passed I am still without gloves and the temperature remains in the upper 30's. The sideways snow had stopped and as you can see the sun was out again but still too cold for this Texan to be outside. We spend most of our time inside one bay or another in search of whales, seals, penguins and other of God's creatures. Bonus is the sea is relatively smooth inside the bays. Bad news is satellite is non-existent. For this scenery, I can do without satellite.

We were told this morning about an expedition of four men who came to Paradise Bay to perform research. Two stayed, the other two did not. The two who stayed made a shelter from an abandoned boat and called that home for one year and one day before returning home. They worked diligently charting the tides, temperature, migration patterns of the sea creatures, etc. It was the most accurate, detailed information available up to that time. They believed they would be compensated for this research, but sadly were not. Still their work has been immeasurably helpful to those who have come after them. Our speaker did not elaborate on the subsequent consequences to those who abandoned them. I simply cannot get my head around spending a winter here basically unprotected from nature. It is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful places on earth! Perhaps that was their compensation.

Sunrise over Paradise Bay, Antarctica a mere seven hours after sunset.

My usual breakfast hours after sunrise. Unfortunately we have eaten all the Dragon fruit so I must supplement with mangos and nuts. Sure hated to see the Dragon fruit go. Really good food is not a problem on board, but breakfast is my favorite.

Now that's what I call an iceberg folks! Glad this isn't the Titanic.

Another ice covered volcanic rock. Today I thought I glimpsed a spot of green on the rock but it was only an optical illusion.

Tomorrow we once again head thru Drake's Passage and Fort Stanley, swells permitting. We did not make it there in 2020 due to 40' swells. Port is not deep enough for the ship, making tenders necessary. My excursion Tuesday is a two hour walking tour of Fort Stanley. I really need the exercise after holing up in my cabin for most of three days emerging for food, crafts, Trivia, and lectures. I have total control of the thermostat in my cabin. Thus I spend a lot of time in my cabin and still can enjoy the scenery.

Tonight I have "An Exclusive Around the World Dinner" with the other 400 or so ATW's. Polo Grill has THE BEST lobster mac & cheese.

Today Is Someday! Enjoy!