At the time it just seemed like another glorious day in the Antarctica. When we were wakened for breakfast we knew to get busy. Every day, so far, had been packed with excursions and lectures and more excursions and lots of food. It was just another amazing day.
But that day, 198 years before, was the day that Edward Bransfield sighted the Antarctica Continent. It turned out to be a very special day.
On the morning of January 30, 2018, we grabbed a Zodiak and toured the area. It was cold and foggy. There was no horizon.
Bruce and Jill in full protection from the cold
Gentoo penguins out for a swim in waters that go on forever.
But the penguins were swimming and playing. Bruce Hampton captured some in mid-flight.
Photo by Bruce Hampton
It was on that day that we saw an “ice cave”. The colors of the Antarctica are, for probably good scientific reasons, more brilliant and more surreal than anywhere else on Earth. And the “cave” was a perfect example of that phenomenon.
Try to imagine the feelings of the men on that voyage, so many years ago, when no one had seen what they just saw. What would anyone feel at that time and place? It was hard to put myself there. The sights that I was seeing were overwhelming. There were no words left to describe the ice or the water or the penguins or the seals. It was time to just absorb.
Our landing that day was at Station Brown . It is an active research station which we did not enter. Instead, we were encouraged took a hike. And it is one I will never forget.
On that day of celebration for Antarctica Explorers, our intrepid crew made sure we had a keepsake.
Yes, I was there!
The hike was to the top of a large outcrop of volcanic rock. As usual, a path had been created by the crew BUT snow is snow is snow. And the path was wet and cold. Note the full get-up–mittens, over gloves, neck gaiter, wool cap, and parka. It was cold and snowing.
The trail was long and required the use of hands to get to the top.
But Leigh (my friend and travel partner) and I made it. And here is the proof.
It was an amazing place to sit, cool off and contemplate the beauty and severity of Antarctica.
BUT WAIT!
There is more!
Back on the ship the traditional Polar Plunge was about to take place! This was an activity that did not suit my proclivities but MANY people joined in including one passenger who was in her 80’s. Just call me “wimp”.
All who participated were tethered to the boat. A crew member had that tether in her hands. The doctor was standing next to her. According to Leigh, who did the dastardly deed, once out of the water you were wrapped in a large, warm towel, taken inside and given a hot beverage. They were taking no chances!
Maybe I wasn’t such a wimp…
The day was topped off with a few personal firsts (besides being in Antarctica at all!)
My first view of an Orca in the wild.
And my first and only picture of a whale tail.
A copy of this picture hangs on my office wall.
It reminds me, every day, that we MUST protect and respect the Continent that Edward Bransfield found 199 years ago, today.
Talkin' to Myself 
What a truly wonderful experience. Best not to spoil it by taking an icy dip, I think…..
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Unique post. Bruce’s penguins is a magical shot. Brrrrr
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What a treat it was especially to see the full-frame original of your profile photo! And what a privilege it is to see this remote landscape through your eyes. Thank you for sharing your memories of this beautiful-but-endangered place.
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What is happening to the Antarctica is so scary. I hope we are not too late to remedy some of the damage.
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I attended a lecture a few weeks back on global warming in which the speaker broke down the major contributors of greenhouse gases — and two of the biggest (in my part of the world, anyway) were burning “natural” gas for heat, and cattle farming. It we all kept our homes just a bit cooler and ate a bit less beef we might have a shot. Alas, people aren’t great at changing even such basic habits until they’re forced to … and by then it’s too late. It breaks my heart for future generations, and for all the creatures with whom we share this planet.
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I LOVE that shot! He has a bunch of them. I am so jealous! He is an accomplished pianist as well. Just not fair!!!!! 😉
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This is a great piece on a “Once in a Lifetime” journey. You had the chance to learn and grow as you may have suffered. The Photos are great. Keep the good stuff coming.
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🙂 But I bet he doesn’t weave
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Derrick, you are right! But his wife does an incredible cross-stitch!
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Beautiful photos, and the message just makes me feel like doing more to save our world, thank you!
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What an amazing experience! Your pictures and details are wonderful.
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Thank you, Darlene. That trip changed my life. Literally!
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Trips can do that!! I went to the United Arab Emirates, wrote a children’s book based on the trip and now have six books in the series published!!
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How fabulous!! Thanks so much for sharing! I lived vicariously through you while looking at the photos and reading your words!
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You have stunning photographs here of a land that too few of us will ever get to see. I thank you for that. I read recently that “a huge void” has been discovered beneath one of the glaciers in Antarctica, 1000 ft high and 1/3 the size of Manhattan. Have you heard of this? Not sure what to make of it.
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Janet, I have been following the news on this discovery. I have a couple of friends (that I met on my voyage) who are down there right now. They are concerned, to say the least. Not only are their livelihoods in danger, the entire world could be endangered by higher seas and changed climates. I hope I can return to Antarctica before it is gone. Before we are all gone.
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