Itinerary
- Cross the Antarctic Converge
- Spend some time on the Bridge
- See Shag Rock
- Get closer to South Georgia!
We are in some cold waters (the coldest actually) and the air temperature is matching it. Everything is just above freezing and we’ve got one very nice breeze kicking right now! The boat has become a see-saw. Anything that isn’t tied down is crashing on the floor and I have a feeling there will be plenty of seats at dinner.
I’m holding up pretty well, but that could change at an instant. The food is quite excellent for “sea food”, so I’m going to have a good portion and maybe get to taste it twice.
Sea days are boring compared to shore days, but we have had some highlights today. Watching the waves has been fun – they’re huge! Shooting them off in the distance does not do them justice, so I tried to get in close on a washing machine of chaos, as pictured below, to give it a little more scope.
Most of the day we haven’t seen many birds, but the closer we get to South Georgia we’re beginning to see them again…and in some abundance.
The other thing we’re beginning to see are icebergs. I’ve never seen one before and now I’ve seen a whole bunch! We got very close to a beautiful one. I’m holding a few of those images for when I get home, but here are two bergs.
We’ve now passed Shag Rock, so we’re very close to South Georgia. It seems the weather is getting worse the closer we get, but we have definitely noticed the weather can change in a matter of minutes.
Definitions:
Antarctic Converge – a place in the Southern Ocean where the saline waters from the North meet the less salty waters from the South. It is a biological barrier similar to a mountain range that separates the Antarctic wildlife from the rest of the world. It is also a place full of mist and fog due to the differing water temperatures. Once one crosses it, the temperatures drop substantially.
Shag Rock – a series of rocks sticking out of the ocean where thousands of cormorants nest. It is a refuge for these birds amidst the Blue Desert.
Incredible, absolutely incredible. The blues are mindboggling. I’m amazed you can keep your lunch down being stuck in a sea like that. It usually takes most people 2-3 WEEKS to get used to rough seas. Keep it dry side up my friend!
Alex, I think you have found your second career … if the National Geographic folks see the photos and writing on this blog, they might indeed make you part of the staff. Really great stuff!
Alex –
Awesome stuff! What an experience you are documenting!!
Thanks for sharing it.
Ken
Alex, your pics and stories are fabulous. I wish I was there experiencing it all. Thanks for letting me see this part of the world through your eyes.
Dave – I think I’ve got my sea legs. Haven’t had to taste the same meal twice yet….can’t speak for other ship mates. Apparently the first day at sea had one of the sea sickness rates for the Endeavour. Most of the crew was out too. There was a really funky roll to the ship due to the way the seas were.
I’ve got some landscape photos now.
Audrey – thanks! After talking things over with the pros I’m not so sure I want to put that kind of pressure on one of the things I love to do. Turning a really fun hobby into a job isn’t all it is cracked up to be. I think Checkered Flag, and the auto industry, will have to make due with me being around for a while.
Ken – thanks for commenting. Hope all is going well.
Cindy – good to hear from you. I am definitely going to make this trip again before I die. Next time, I’ll be recruiting people to go. You’d love it!
Hi! Love the pictures! Cannot believe that you are halfway through your great voyage! Can’t wait for you to come back to show us all of your pictures. Thanks for taking the time to do what you’re doing!