Wine Penguins & More

January 3, 2024

Today, we woke-up in Flanders Bay, Antartica and the "summer" weather was cold 32.2 degree Fahrenheit (0.1 Celsius) and snowing.  We were the first zodiac group this morning and we had a "great" guide that took us into the bay "ice field" with the intent to explore various islands in the area.  The "scale" of this ice field in the bay was beyond my comprehension.  We enjoyed great views of resting, but active Weddell Seals as well as Adélie penguins.  Two real surprises were encounters with a Minke Whale and a Snow Petrel - Tami Martin took the awesome picture of this "beauty" with the birds reflection on the glaze ice water surface.  It was a cold and snowy wet morning excursion, but 100% worth it because of the silent beauty of this ice field - it is difficult to describe the silence that one experiences in Antartica.  For example, when you are in an ice field, you "hear" the whales "blowing air" well before you see them.  



Scenic Eclipse 1


Reflections in Antartica
        

Snowy Day Guide


Snow Petrel


Weddell Seal


Weddell Seal




 

The afternoon was our time to experience a "Polar Plunge" - the water temp is 0.1 Celsius or 32.18 degrees fahrenheit with skim ice forming on the surface all-day, plus ongoing snow.  What an exhilarating experience to willingly "jump-in" to the Southern Ocean ie, Antartica.  The Scenic Eclipse Team had hot-toddy libations available as a reward following this arctic plunge.  It is difficult to describe the sensation when entering the water, but it is worth it - 100%.  That is all for today, but it is amazing that each day of this trip has featured a new experience that features the beauty and grandeur of Antartica.   












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