This morning we had the chance to visit historic Port Lockroy for a bit of fun on the ice and shopping at Bransfield House. Established in 1944 as British Base A, it was recently restored and is now open to visitors as a museum commemorating the history of British Antarctic research. Perusing the workshop, kitchen, and living quarters of the house provides one a nostalgic experience akin to actually living and working as one of the scientists. One of the main attractions in Bransfield House is the “Beastie,” a large scientific instrument that was used to study the Ionosphere for radio communications and transmissions. Originally reported as a technology that could “see” ships over the horizon during WWII, the ‘Beastie’ was instrumental in identifying a growing hole within the ozone layer above the Antarctic continent. Enjoying a bit of history, we signed the guestbook and sent postcards from the southernmost post office in the world. As the winds strengthened and a shadowy horizon began to form our undersea specialists Paul and Thor rose from the depths to meet the weather and provide us with footage of the sea stars and critters of the deep. Around lunchtime we finalized our last purchases, made our way to the ship, and undocked from our parking space in the ice.
Departing from Port Lockroy we headed east towards Danco Island, a small island in the southern end of the scenic Errera Channel. It is here where we had our last view of Antarctic terns, skuas, and a sizeable gentoo penguin colony worthy of our final Antarctic landing. As is always true in Antarctica, however, the excitement was far from over.
As we made our way north of the Antarctic Circle, dinner was interrupted by sightings of both humpback and killer whales. Speed was of the essence to grab our gear and head to the closest door while we slowed the ship just inside of Dallman Bay. In the distance a playful humpback calf breached as a pod of Antarctic “Little-B’s” met the setting sun for fantastic photo opportunities. Between the emperor penguins, Ross seals, and incredible wildlife we have encountered, there was no better way to end our journey to the white continent. For the next two days we will share photos, stories, and laughter across the Drake Passage on our way to the next adventure.
