"On this voyage, under favourable conditions, we plan to cross the Antarctic Circle, an imaginary line located at latitude 66°33' south. This is certainly a special highlight for many expeditioners, and the moment will be celebrated with a toast on deck (conditions permitting). You have earned some boasting privileges, joining a small group of lucky adventurers who have ventured to this part of the world. As we approach The Circle, you will notice subtle changes in the landscape and in the distribution of wildlife. The waters at this time of year are rich with krill and we hope to see plenty of whales - particularly humpbacks and minkes. We also hope to enjoy the spectacle of penguins feeding their ravenous chicks."
Day 20 of our Antarctic Tour.
We were harassed by a leopard seal.
Skua
There's a scientific crew on the island. They are studying the hair grass.
Deschampsia antarctica, the Antarctic hair grass, is one of two flowering plants native to Antarctica, the other being Colobanthus quitensis (Antarctic pearlwort). In Antarctica, the plant can be found forming low clumps in wet, protected habitats...Wikipedia
Mark spoke to 1 of the scientists and took some photos inside their tents.
A petrel with its chick.
The shoreline was littered with elephant seals.
These Gentoo Penguins are very entertaining.
We had a bouncy trip back to the ship in a zodiac which I didn't enjoy. As we had a while before lunch we attempted to do the heated plunge in a jacuzzi but after all the effort of removing so many layers of clothing and put our swimmers on when we got there they were closed.
Livingstone Island.
Marks gopro videos.
The wind was icy cold and it was raining so we headed back to the ship early.
We are now high tailing it back to Ushuaia to avoid the worst of the weather on the Drake Passage. The ship is rocking not so gently but we have taken a tablet and will hopefully sleep.
Happy 6th Birthday to our Ollie 🐻.
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