PPPJJ-GCVAB Posted January 1 Report Share Posted January 1 so gorgeous! Your pictures are amazing and I am just loving this blog. I am pretty sure I will never get anywhere close to this part of the world but I feel like you’ve provided such an education for me! Truly awesome! twangster, WAAAYTOOO, Cactus527 and 4 others 6 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted January 1 Author Report Share Posted January 1 New Years Eve aboard the Silver Wind. To give folks some extra time tonight the daily briefing was moved to 19:00. Time for a pre-briefing beverage with music by Tomás. In the briefing our expedition team leader Gert explained the challenges the ship faced at Brown Bluff. This position track shows all the maneuvering the bridge team had to do given the wind and ice. The goal for tomorrow is a hike at Orne Harbor, weather permitting. Zodiac tours will be offered for those not up for a hike that will include a brief shore landing. We will reposition the ship down the Antarctic Peninsula through a known whale hotspot. These areas are protected with strict speed restrictions so we will have a leisurely morning and an afternoon arrival planned for Orne Harbor. A New Year's Eve Gala dinner in The Restaurant followed at 18:15. Ampurp85, PPPJJ-GCVAB and Lovetocruise2002 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted January 1 Author Report Share Posted January 1 Shortly before midnight I ventured upstairs to the party going on in the Panorama Lounge. First a stop outside to see what it's like in the short overnight darkness this far South. Flat seas and minimal wind. Perfect. MaryS, Ampurp85, Cactus527 and 6 others 5 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted January 1 Author Report Share Posted January 1 I'm keeping this photo dark and slightly blurry to avoid displaying faces. Needless to say there was a party going on. WAAAYTOOO, Lovetocruise2002, PPPJJ-GCVAB and 3 others 4 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted January 1 Author Report Share Posted January 1 A few minutes before midnight we made our way outside to the pool deck. The Captain led our countdown. ScottishRobbie, PPPJJ-GCVAB, MaryS and 5 others 6 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted January 1 Author Report Share Posted January 1 And that is how you ring in a new year in the Antarctic! Shari, MaryS, SpeedNoodles and 5 others 1 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ampurp85 Posted January 1 Report Share Posted January 1 Happy new year. You have seen so many cute penguins and fat seals. I am loving the photos. Cactus527 and WAAAYTOOO 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovetocruise2002 Posted January 1 Report Share Posted January 1 1 hour ago, PPPJJ-GCVAB said: so gorgeous! Your pictures are amazing and I am just loving this blog. I am pretty sure I will never get anywhere close to this part of the world but I feel like you’ve provided such an education for me! Truly awesome! Could not agree more! This type of cruise is likely not for me, but I find this all fascinating! 48 minutes ago, twangster said: And that is how you ring in a new year in the Antarctic! Happy New Year @twangster!!! twangster, PPPJJ-GCVAB and Shari 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted January 1 Author Report Share Posted January 1 Day Fourteen, Orne Harbor, Antarctica New Years Day Position report: Balcony observation: Whales! SpeedNoodles, Lovetocruise2002 and PPPJJ-GCVAB 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted January 1 Author Report Share Posted January 1 Day 14 Chronicle: 1 JAN - Orne Harbour Antarctica.pdf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted January 1 Author Report Share Posted January 1 Beautiful morning as we slowly make our way through the whale zones. You know you've seen a lot of whales when you can't be bothered to take any more pictures of them. The ice sculpture remains! The Atlas World Voyager. PPPJJ-GCVAB, WAAAYTOOO, ScottishRobbie and 5 others 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAAAYTOOO Posted January 1 Report Share Posted January 1 Who knew ? Antarctic patrol ? PPPJJ-GCVAB 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted January 1 Author Report Share Posted January 1 Continuing down the peninsula. The wind has picked up but it's a glorious day. So many whales. At one point I came back to my suite to warm up. A massive waterspout appeared right off my balcony. Then a whale came into sight and with a flick of its massive tail it slid below the surface. It was no more than thirty feet from me. Wow! A research or exploration vessel of some sort ahead of us. Lovetocruise2002, DDaley and Cactus527 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted January 1 Author Report Share Posted January 1 The vessel slowed and it became apparent we have arrived. Orne Harbour. This should be the Southernmost point of travel on this voyage. Lovetocruise2002, Cactus527, SpeedNoodles and 5 others 4 1 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted January 1 Author Report Share Posted January 1 Today our expedition team will be offering a continental landing on Antarctica. First off was the first group of hikers. I'm in the second hiking group. Before my turn a zodiac cruise will take guests who chose not to hike for a brief landing as well. While I am waiting, this dashboard appeared on my phone. The waiting is killing me . MaryS, PPPJJ-GCVAB, SpeedNoodles and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted January 1 Author Report Share Posted January 1 I see redcoats! Live from Antarctica aboard the Silver Wind. SpeedNoodles, MaryS, PPPJJ-GCVAB and 7 others 7 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted January 2 Author Report Share Posted January 2 Finally my group was called. The kayakers had another outing today. Once around the corner we could see the Silversea redcoat highway snaking up the mountain. WAAAYTOOO, MaryS, PPPJJ-GCVAB and 2 others 2 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted January 2 Author Report Share Posted January 2 Dry landing onto the rocks and then the climb began. Almost there... PPPJJ-GCVAB, MaryS, instaGator and 4 others 5 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted January 2 Author Report Share Posted January 2 The views were pretty spectacular. There is a Chinstrap penguin colony up here. Some of the penguins climb higher than we did to reach their nests. SpeedNoodles, Ampurp85, PPPJJ-GCVAB and 5 others 7 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted January 2 Author Report Share Posted January 2 After a few minutes it was time to descend the slip and slide but if penguins can do it... Back to the ship! DDaley, Lovetocruise2002, ScottishRobbie and 8 others 10 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted January 2 Author Report Share Posted January 2 360 Camera photos. Orne Harbour View in 360 Orne Harbour Path in 360 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted January 2 Author Report Share Posted January 2 Data from my watch. Right around a one mile hike. 345' elevation gain PPPJJ-GCVAB, Ampurp85, SpeedNoodles and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted January 2 Author Report Share Posted January 2 Daily briefing Chiriguana Bay and Cuverville tomorrow. and in between... MaryS, Ampurp85, PPPJJ-GCVAB and 6 others 2 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted January 2 Author Report Share Posted January 2 Sunset took a long time to progress tonight well after 10pm. WAAAYTOOO, ScottishRobbie, SpeedNoodles and 4 others 6 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted January 2 Author Report Share Posted January 2 Day Fifteen - Chiriguana Bay and Cuverville Antarctica Position report: We've been doing laps overnight in the Gerlache Strait. SpeedNoodles, WAAAYTOOO, Ampurp85 and 1 other 2 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted January 2 Author Report Share Posted January 2 Day 15 Chronicle: 2 JAN - Chiriguana Bay and Cuverville Antarctica.pdf PPPJJ-GCVAB 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted January 2 Author Report Share Posted January 2 I'm pleased to report the internet has been stable at the consistent speed for the premium plan. PPPJJ-GCVAB, WAAAYTOOO and Lovetocruise2002 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted January 2 Author Report Share Posted January 2 Our morning starts with opening the curtains to see... whales. I'm going to miss this breakfast view. MaryS, WAAAYTOOO, Cactus527 and 5 others 6 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted January 2 Author Report Share Posted January 2 Every zodiac rides starts and ends with a visit to the mud room to retrieve your boot and exchange for your ship footwear. Here is the mud room on the Silver Wind. Lovetocruise2002, Ampurp85 and MaryS 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted January 2 Author Report Share Posted January 2 This morning's zodiac tour of Chiriguana Bay is less about marine life and more about ice. Kayakers had another outing this morning. Beautiful weather again today makes the mountains pop. Marcus brings a piece of ice into the zodiac. We discuss various characteristics and the factors that shaped its features. They point out a crevice on the glacial face and how these can be hidden from view when walking on a glacier but they are a danger that can easily trap a person. MaryS, WAAAYTOOO, Ampurp85 and 3 others 2 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted January 2 Author Report Share Posted January 2 Penguins are never far in Antarctica. Some zodiac selfies from my 360 camera. MaryS, SpeedNoodles, PPPJJ-GCVAB and 6 others 5 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted January 2 Author Report Share Posted January 2 Emily is our Geologist on the ship and today's she is our zodiac captain. She talks about the volcanic history of the mountains all around us and the factors that shape some of the patterns we see on the icebergs such as this one. After 75 minutes or so it was back to the ship. instaGator, PPPJJ-GCVAB, MaryS and 3 others 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted January 2 Author Report Share Posted January 2 We were on the ship just long enough to contemplate life and consider this next challenge. The Polar Plunge. They gathered victims, I mean participants by deck number. Too late to back out now. I survived! Back in my suite I was able to watch some other participants enjoying the plunge. PPPJJ-GCVAB, SpeedNoodles, Skigoofy and 13 others 7 3 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted January 2 Author Report Share Posted January 2 360 photo from this morning's zodiac ride Chiriguana Bay 360 Photo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpeedNoodles Posted January 2 Report Share Posted January 2 On 1/1/2024 at 6:26 AM, twangster said: More Adélie penguins! These guys are so cute! I. Am. In. Love. MaryS, Lovetocruise2002, Cactus527 and 4 others 3 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted January 2 Author Report Share Posted January 2 Over lunch the ship repositioned to Cuverville Island which is close to where we were yesterday. We've made it just ever so slightly more South than Orne Harbour. Lovetocruise2002 and SpeedNoodles 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted January 2 Author Report Share Posted January 2 After lunch I was waiting for the first zodiac groups to be called when this small vessel sailed past. Clearly smaller than the Wind bit still a respectable sized motor vessel. More on that in a bit. Clouding over. Where are those beautiful blue skies? So many interesting looking icebergs. The pool has been open today and while not as warm as the hot tubs it was pretty warm today. Steam was rising from the pool. Always good to see the zodiacs being unloaded. That respectable sized motor vessel now looks tiny next to the face of the glacier. That is how big these glaciers are. PPPJJ-GCVAB, Ampurp85, ScottishRobbie and 3 others 3 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted January 2 Author Report Share Posted January 2 When it was my group's turn I headed down to the mud room and put my boots on. This is another wet landing with a walk on land so the expedition team will be further sanitizing our boots left in the mud room overnight. The ship has repositioned from earlier due to ice clogging up the bay. The wind had shifted and increased in strength. The zodiac ride was a little bumpy and didn't leave a lot of desire to take pictures. However once we got closer the water settled and we had a magnificent view of that arched iceberg, The redcot highway was visible from our approach. The Silversea redcoat highway was distinct and separate from the penguin highway they have worn into the snow. Look at all that ice in the bay. Gentoo penguins on the nest! Lovetocruise2002, ScottishRobbie, MaryS and 5 others 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted January 3 Author Report Share Posted January 3 The colony here on Cuverville Island is around 6,500 mating pairs but with all the snow they were concentrated in rocky areas where the winter snow had melted. It was interesting to take some time to watch individuals. This penguin appeared to be on a mission. He found a stone. Time to head back to the nesting area. Up the hill and jumping up rocks he arrived to present his effort. Here is another. I think he was getting the cold shoulder so he dropped it. Not far away on another rocky section free of snow more penguin drama was playing out as kayakers arrived in the background. DDaley, Ampurp85, Lovetocruise2002 and 3 others 3 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted January 3 Author Report Share Posted January 3 The nests in this section were easier to see. While over in the other area we saw penguins finding rocks for their nests further away and bringing them back some penguins are willing to steal rocks from a neighboring nest. That was happening a lot with these nests and there were some words being exchanged about it. The penguins had worn this deep path in the snow called a penguin highway. A Skua taking a rest on the snow. Cactus527, Ampurp85, Lovetocruise2002 and 5 others 6 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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