We awoke to a spectacular Antarctic day with blue skies, calm seas, and ice as far as the eye could see. After breakfast, the ship navigated through thick pack ice into the remarkable Cierva Cove. The Zodiacs were lowered and soon we were out exploring the ice and its myriad of inhabitants. We encountered leopard seals, multiple species of whale, and the ever-curious gentoo penguins. After lunch, we stepped ashore at Hydrurga Rocks and were immediately surrounded by sleeping Weddell seals and chatty gentoos with their large, fuzzy chicks. The chicks were almost ready to leave the nest and start feeding in the rich krill-infested Antarctic waters. What an amazing day! We can’t wait for what magical Antarctic experiences are in store for us tomorrow.