twangster

Information posted for our consumption:

Our position using the windy.com swell forecast.

Photo statistics: 14,235 pictures and/or video clips captured 781.21 GB on disk 1,960 images processed for posting. Photos have been reduced to 1,200 maximum pixel width to make them easier to upload over ship internet.

The Silver Wind has a complimentary laundrette on deck four forward. It's a compact space with 3 sets of washers and dryers. There are complimentary laundry pods available containing powdered laundry soap compatible with the ship's bioengineering systems. The trick is finding time when 200+ other guests are also vying for laundry resources.

Next cruise to have 245 guests. This sailing had 229. Maximum capacity was stated to be 277.

Captain's noon address just now. Seas at 3m are expected to remain until 1am at which point they will improve. In the Captain's words it's a relatively good day in the Drake. I'm kind of disappointed. I guess I'll have to come back to experience the real Drake Passage. Live from the Drake Passage aboard the Silver Wind.

Waiting for me after breakfast: Departure information:

Down for breakfast in The Restaurant I had the venue to myself so an opportunity for some photos. Which window seat shall I pick?

Day 17 Chronicle: 4 JAN - At Sea.pdf

Day Seventeen - The Drake Passage Position report: Balcony observations:

Our final daily recap and briefing was held this evening. Among a number of topics Sara reminded us again about the IAATO Antarctic Ambassador Expedition Challenge. The guests that completed the challenge on board were called on stage and presented with certificates. You can also complete the challenge on the IAATO website. Just before dinner I captured our position and track through the Neumayer Channel. At 21:45 it was the crew talent show. Amazing talent among the crew. Impressive. Just before bed it was one last position report now that we have made the turn North. Ready or not, Drake Passage here we come.

Incidentally my 360 camera discovered two more Starlink antennas in the forward area above the Panorama Lounge. That makes at least three Starlink systems on board with a theoretical aggregate bandwidth of 1.5Gbps for the ship.

The Silver Wind in The Neumayer Channel in 360. Silver Wind in the Neumayer Channel in 360 - Midship Silver Wind in the Neumayer Channel in 360 - Forward

Here are some pictures from my 360 camera during the Neumayer Channel transit.

The wind was howling and it was getting difficult to take photos but dressed for the conditions it wasn't cold.

Enough about whales! I've refrained from posting more whale pictures but rest assured there were many more sightings. The coastline appeared to be one very long glacial face birthing icebergs hourly. This recently calved growler was finding its equilibrium rolling before our eyes. So many interesting icebergs. The bridge team brought us closer for a better look.

This pair stuck close to each other. Earlier today Andrew presented an enrichment talk about Humpback whales. He mentioned that often when you see a pair of whales with one larger than the other staying close to each other it may be a mother with a calf. I'm not certain that is the case with these two but it makes for a nice story so I'm going with it.

As we left the channel the bay was littered with icebergs.

Whale sightings were frequent. A Chilean naval ship. I've submitted these photos to the Happy Whale project. https://happywhale.com/ Perhaps it will help to track the migration path of these magnificent creatures. Each fluke is unique but other characteristics of the hump and other areas are also unique to each individual whale.

This is a panoramic stitch of ten photos. The texture and shading of the clouds will forever be burnt into my mind. This picture does a poor job representing the magic of the scene before us. A small Argentinian research station near where an Aurora Expeditions ship was putting out its kayakers. The end is near. The end of the Neumayer Channel that is. Then on queue right where we had been told to expect them, the whales began to appear.

Snow Patrol was performing on deck 9. (a lame reference to a Scottish rock band)

On both sides the glacial faces were fascinating. I spotted a diagram showing the ship's dimensions on a bridge wing. It had been updated with the retrofit of the Silver Wind.

Our escort was a final opportunity to say goodbye to the penguins of Antarctica.

I spotted a ship in the distance making the transit before us. Try as I might these photos are a pathetic attempt to illustrate the magnificence of Antarctica. Emily our geologist was present to talk about the volcanic origins of the mountains around us.

Around 3pm we seemed to be steering away from the center of the channel towards land. The entrance to the Neumayer Channel lay ahead. Some calving action on the port side. On both sides the sharp edges of glacier faces or those of glaciated snowfields suggested there had been recent action. It was quite remarkable. The Neumayer Channel.