Mikkelsen Harbor, Trinity Island
On our fifth full day in the Antarctic Peninsula, guests and staff alike are finding out what it means to burn the candle at both ends. Those who watched the waxing moon rise and the sun set last night were awake past eleven o’clock. Those who wished to see the sun rise as the moon was setting were up before three this morning. At these latitudes the golden hour arrives very late and extremely early. With magic light and perfect sea and ice conditions, sleep will just have to wait…
Mikkelsen Harbor is a picturesque small bay on the southern side of Trinity Island in the Palmer Archipelago, infrequently visited. Today National Geographic Explorer offered many ways to experience this mostly uncharted bay. Many chose to view the scenery from water level while paddling an expedition kayak. Others chose to view and photograph the ice and wildlife from Zodiac level. Intrepid hikers chose to explore the small rocky islet in the middle of the bay from a gentoo penguin’s perspective. Some adventurous spirits even chose to take the polar plunge into the frigid waters of the bay itself. Whatever the angle the view was grand.
At the end of Charcot Bay lies another smaller cove surrounded by spectacular ice-capped mountains, named Lindblad Cove. The name was bestowed by the United States Board on Geographic Names in recognition of Lars-Eric Lindblad, who organized the first non-scientific expedition to Antarctica. To celebrate the life of Lars-Eric and his accomplishments here in Antarctica and throughout the world, hotel manager Patrik Svärdmyr offered glögg on the bow for a toast. Here’s to you, Lars-Eric Lindblad, for paving the way for so many to discover the unexpected treasures of the seventh continent. Skål!
