There is not a lot scientifically to relay today. More analysis of the whalebone dwellers, more hourly filtrations from the fjord, so I will post some pictures to try to help you imagine how amazing this place is. When you first enter into the realm of Antarctica it is stunning and otherworldly. You immediately know you are somewhere very different and the majestic beauty is overwhelming. But then you travel into the Fjords and it is an entire new level of beauty. I'm not exaggerating when I say overwhelming. You are surrounded by magnificent scenery, sea ice covering much of the water, seals lounging on icebergs all over the place. Whales spouting from their blow holes and, if you are lucky, you can see one dive. Craig counted around 140 seals yesterday. Some of them watched us with trepidation others pushed off into the water until the ship passed. Lots of whales too. For some reason the whales like these fjords in the winter. There were around 14 counted during the day. I saw about 4. The sea ice has a mind of its own, it forms, congeals, breaks apart, new formation. I heard a glacier calve - which means breaking off and sliding into the water. It sounds like thunder. It's amazing and exciting to hear but at the same time, you don't want to hear it because it is a reminder that the glaciers are receding.
Seals lounging on the ice
This is the tragedy of my trip. My telephoto lens that I was given to use does not have an automatic focus. Some of my long distance shots are great. Others. uh. well. This one is in between. Maybe I'll get it right before I leave.
So yesterday we were in Andvord Fjord and it was a fairly clear day - gorgeous. Today was cloudy and snowing all day long. And though visibility was limited and there was more sea ice forming, it was equally beautiful. It's not only seals that like to rest on the floating bergs - a number of birds found it an equally comfortable rest stop. There was a group of seals, some looked very small, young, and adorable who were porpoising along with the ship. Saw some penguins doing the same only away from the boat not alongside it. No whales today - at least not that I know. The snow lasted all day and now at 3:3pm we are into night... Perhaps I had better find time to wash my hat. It exudes a fish aroma which is none too pleasant.
Ice Berg through the snow storm
Tern flying over sea ice. You can see its reflection
Those bursts from the surface are Humpback whales blowing from their blow holes.
Sea Ice
Ice Bergs
Even on a cloudy day in the snow the reflections are beautiful