After a hearty breakfast this morning we boarded the zodiacs for a tour of Cierva Cove and the Sikorsky Glacier. As we began our tour into the heart of the cove, we were immediately surrounded by huge icebergs while a light snowfall fell silently onto our zodiacs.
We had a great opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the iconic Antarctic species such as: Weddell and leopard seals, skuas and imperial shags. Everywhere we looked there was another opportunity for a fantastic photograph! We also just enjoyed just sitting back and soaking up this surreal landscape.
All too soon our zodiac adventure had to end as it was now lunch time. Our fabulous galley team had once again prepared a delicious lunch for us back on board the National Geographic Orion.
After lunch, naturalist Mary-Lou Blakeslee, invited us into the lounge for an intriguing presentation about Antarctic krill and the vital role they play in the ecosystem down here.
We spent the rest of the afternoon cruising the Gerlache Strait looking for whales as a light fog descended from the clouds above us and soon shrouded the vessel in a thick blanket of condensation.
We had an early dinner this evening because our expedition leader Doug had big plans for an outing soon after our meal. Just as dessert arrived on our tables, the spectacle of Neko Harbor came in to view through our restaurant windows.
We quickly donned our winter attire and the Captain anchored the ship right on the beach for an easy transfer to shore. We hiked up to the top of a ridge, followed inquisitively by many Gentoo penguins to acquire an astonishing view of the surrounding harbor just has the sun begun to set beneath the mountains.
As we began our decent back down to the shore we found a much easier way down the mountain- on our bums! Many screams of joy could be heard across the harbor as most of us choose the easy way down and slid on the soft snow all the way back down to the landing.
What a memorable day in Antarctica, we can’t wait to find out what wonders await us tomorrow!
