Lundi 24 Mars, a été le dernier jour où l’on a marché sur le continent….enfin, plus vraiment le continent, mais plus tôt 2 îles de l’archipel des Shetland. Le matin, nous avons débarqué dans un 1 site très intéressant, pas vraiment exceptionnel par la beauté de son paysage, ni la richesse de sa faune (quoique là encore les phoques à fourrures étaient légion), mais plus tôt pour la richesse de son histoire. Read more
Blog from Cabin 208 Ines Rupprecht Seems like we get the full Antarctic package. After lovely days with so many wildlife and gorgeous weather we are now on our way back in the Drake Passage. As expected very rough sea. In fact: we hit a storm with more than 60 knots wind (more than 100km/h), waves between 6 and 10 meters, wind force eleven (Hurricane strength).. It makes everything flying around the ship inclusive ourselves. The ship gets constantly lifted out of the water and returning back feels like it will break apart. No one allowed outside. I was on the bridge all afternoon yesterday as staying in bed was not very pleasant. The captain Jorge is very relaxed, laughing at our nervous faces and questions “when does the ship sink• etc. I asked him if he isn’t the last to leave the ship so better stop laughing – he said I am watching too many movies! Fact is the crew leaves the bridge once a while and someone said they have a little chapel to pray. UAAAHHH!!! Truth is, they put the Auto pilot on. The outlook is fantastic when waves splash against the windows and float the decks. Seeing the ship nose diving deep in the waves is spectacular. The rolling makes the stomach a bit weak but I am doing well (compared to others who stayed in bed last two days). The night was a nightmare – furniture flew around and I had to put my mattress on the floor where I was sliding on it from one side to another. No one really slept last night. What started as an adventure turned out to be quite scary to everyone. The storm was supposed to slow down today but did not so far. Waves are still up to 6 meters and the wind even increased to 70 knots per hour, we roll to all sides I cross all fingers that will end today. Makes me feel incredible sick and tired. Want to be home, enough expedition mode.
I finally got some sleep last night, especially after not getting much camping and not wanting to take a nap during the day yesterday and miss anything. After breakfast, I went on the deck as we entered Paradise Bay, an area Jumper says is the most beautiful place in the world. This ride into Paradise Bay outside on the upper deck was all about me. I had my big red Akzo Nobel parka on and had my head buried deep in the hood. As I was able to do many times on this expedition, I stood there by myself. I went into my own little world and passed my life, up to this point, in front of me. I went through ever possible emotion one can have. I was happy and even laughed and certain thoughts were sad and I cried. I thought about accomplishments I have had and the disappointments I wish I had a 2nd chance to do over. I have been able to have some very personal time for me and what a place to do it. These reflections are ones that don’t come from your head; these come from the heart!
After I had enough about “me” in the morning, I ended up in the Plasma room. A call by Jumper over the intercom says that there were humpbacks on the starboard side – so we quickly jumped up to see if we could see them. As I am looking outside to try to find them, one of the humpbacks breaches completely right in front of us about 40 yards out. It was close enough that you could see the barnacles all over its body. Another unbelievable moment!!!
Another LOTE session, this time on the rocks in Paradise Bay and was it ever SPECTACULAR!!! After completing it, I did my video interview with Marjan for the website and was in a frame of mind when I really felt the reality of where I am and why I am here in Antarctica!!!!! After the interview, she gave me a little hug and said she really felt what I was saying in her heart. It sure came from mine!
After lunch, it was time for Robert to do part 4 of his story. A conclusion of his amazing life, told in 4 segments. The afternoon was spent on-board the ship with people and watching sights. After dinner, it was time to discuss Part 5, which is “our” story. The work is almost complete by Robert and Nick and the torch is getting ready to be passed to us.
A late night up for me, hanging around and chatting with the “Russians” and Paola from Mexico. Last night in Antarctica – the “feared” Drake Passage crossing tomorrow after dinner…………..
Another morning awoken by the ever popular voice of Peter saying Inspire Team, Inspire Team, Inspire Team. This morning is Easter so Happy Easter all! After traveling all night, we arrived at Deception Island, the active volcano that is full of water. We did a morning landing and it had penguins and seals all around. While on land, we visited the remains of an old whaling station. Talking about sustainability, the whalers built buildings, fuel tanks and huge tanks to put the whale oil in. The whalers then went crazy and completely killed all the whales. After that, they left many buildings, tanks, trash behind.
After lunch, we visited Half Moon Island. This place had penguins, most chinstrap penguins and fur seals all over it. It was amazing watching these penguins climb all over the rocks.
When everyone returned from the visit on land, everyone was called to the upper deck of the ship. Jumper had the bell rang 3 times for Antarctica, 3 times for the ship, Ushuaia and 3 times for 2041. Then, we all did hip, hip, hooray 3 times and the Captain blew the ship’s horn 1 long time to signal our official departure from Antarctica. Next, Robert gave a speech thanking each of us for being with him on this expedition. Lastly, Robert said his real message is……..(he stood there for a moment of silence to listen to Antarctica). It was powerful.
After dinner, the group had a slide show about David. He had passionately taken so many pictures of Antarctica and of us that we wanted to show him the pictures we had of him. We owe him a huge THANK YOU, because he saw a lot of Antarctica through a camera lens, instead of truly experiencing it.
We have heard rumors the last 2 days that the Drake Passage crossing is going to be a very rough one. Bring it on; it will be an amazing end to an amazing expedition.
At 8:45 PM, we officially hit the Drake Passage. The rocking began immediately and will only get worse. I think it will be rock-a-bye James soon………………..
