Wind: the bulk movement of air on the surface of the Earth. Breeze, gust, squall, gale….we’ve experienced it all. And don’t forget the katabatic winds, funnelling down without forecast from the tops of the impressive mountain ranges surrounding us.
The weather has been temperamental for the past few days and it is the wind in particular that has been dictating our plans. This morning we arrived in Cierva Cove towards the north of the Peninsula having sailed through wind and ice during the night. Despite the weather still proving challenging for any operations off the ship, the captain sailed us towards an impressive glacier at the back of the cove before continuing on our journey in search of calmer seas.
Despite our search for sheltered locations proving difficult these past couple of days, there is no doubt that we’ve been successful in finding great opportunities to make the most of this wind swept and wild continent. This afternoon and this evening were proof that even when the wind is relentless, the Antarctic Peninsula can deliver.
Sailing through Neptune’s Bellows into the flooded caldera of an active volcano is not something you experience every day. We had arrived at Deception Island. As we entered through the narrow gap and into this huge amphitheatre of rocks and ice we passed a couple of leopard seals lazing on ice floes. What’s more, just before sailing in we had passed a number of humpback whales. The wind certainly doesn’t bother the marine mammals.
As it turned out the wind wasn’t going to bother us either this afternoon. With blue skies visible and barely a breath of wind, the captain lined up the National Geographic Orion in preparation for a steady and determined attempt to nudge us into a band of sea ice towards the back of Deception Island. And it worked. With the bow snugly ploughed into the ice the gangway was lowered and we all stepped off the ship for a wonderful “Ice Walk”. Walking on sea ice inside the flooded caldera of an active volcano is another thing you don’t get to experience every day!
If walking on the ice wasn’t enough to satisfy the keenest of expedition travellers among us, a polar plunge was on offer following the walk. Some would say it’s crazy, and they would be right. But that’s not to say it’s a thrilling and chilling experience. Jumping off the Marina Deck and into the icy sea proved to be exhilarating for both the jumpers and the spectators. Luckily the sauna was waiting for the brave and hardy jumpers.
Having walked on the ice and jumped off the deck, it was time for a relaxing evening on board. Or was it? Tonight proved too good an opportunity to miss for kayaking. There was no wind, the light was gorgeous and the sea flat calm. As such the ship stayed inside Deception Island as we took off in the kayaks for a late evening serene paddle around the bay. Walking on sea ice, jumping into icy seas, and kayaking inside the flooded caldera of an active volcano is definitely something you don’t get to experience every day.
