We have now departed Port Lockory and are making our way through Gerlache Strait. But before completely leaving Port Lockory to the past it is appropriate to reflect, as the water there does to enhance its beauty.
Some kayaked, some surfed barefoot on sea ice, one donned black neoprene and communed with ancient whale bones in their beds upon the ocean floor. I went ashore at Jougla Point and found my place, alone, except for the creatures that call that place home. Ignoring me they went about their business. The Gentoo Penguins busy caring for their eggs and newborn chicks. Weddle Seals taking time from ocean feeding to lounge upon the soft snow basking in the brilliant sun, purring and cooing their delight. The occasional thunder and downward fury of a snow avalanche shedding its alpine cage. I was humbled and believed myself to be one of the fortunate for I had been vouchsafed a sliver of new existence, a brief two hours transported into a new yet primordial life. We crowned the day together back upon the boat where we exchanged experiences, took Antarctic plunges, ate pizza and toasted our good fortune and camaraderie. And with the Sun still adding light to the voices of those protected within “Ocean Tramp”, I wearily crawled into my bunk, drifting to sleep upon new memories of nature’s creation.
-Carm
