Anchors up, breakfast off the table, everything latched down, and on the sea again for the next destination. Looking back on the two splendid days in Deception Cove, one never likes to leave but the memories will remain and much more awaits our eyes ahead.
Traveling down through the Gerlache Strait, for exactly where, who knows, but that’s the beauty, its not the destination but the journey along the way. Yet again we are reminded of the topsy turvey rhythm that accompanied us on the Drake, but fear not, with bodies adapted and our minds curious for what comes, the voyage is quick and rather painless.
After several hours, the first views of the Antarctic Peninsula arrive, land is seen and cameras in hand. Spectacular mountains atop glacial formations are everywhere along with wandering icebergs that have occupied the surrounding waters.
Arriving in Cierva Cove in the Northwest Peninsula, the landscape in nothing but amazing. Yet again reminded that we are not alone, an Argentinian research base sitting and nestled in the mountainside is spotted. Passing by, we extend a shout out to the base, introducing ourselves and gaining information regarding the inhabitants from the animal scientists. We promised to make a return visit. After dipping and dodging bergies in the cove and slowly meandering, we arrive at our “hotel” for the night, by hotel of course referring to our anchoring spot for ole Ocean Tramp, for the night. All in perfect timing for an extraordinary sunset that welcomes us to our temporary home for the night.
In addition, we discover that we have some noisy neighbors, a colony of penguins that make quick of letting us know they are beside us and not leaving anytime soon. The anchor plunges in the water and shortly after the zodiac as well, with sunset recon cruises as the appetizer for our full course dinner plan. In order to properly christen our arrival, a nearby ice cookie is plucked from the water, divided evening among our glasses for some scrumptious gin and tonics.
Once again, no disappointment with dinner, as plates have been licked clean and serving dishes are bare. As the the food comas set in, shifts are assigned for iceberg defense throughout the night to keep away unwanted visitors from knocking on our ports. One must remain on deck while others migrate towards their bunks, but the one left behind has no complaints. Stepping out of the pilot house, only to find yourself emerged in a nostalgic dreamland that modern minds couldn’t even imagine. To our port, a spectacular twilight sunset of stellar oranges and reds soaked in the horizon with the subtle background chatter of the Gentoo households, and to the bow, a full moon casting its serenity and tranquility on the glassy waters of the cove and the snow capped mountains creating an inner peace that could soothe any soul. Your mind and soul in complete sensory overload the entire time.
With a solid day behind us and an overwhelming anticipation for what the next day will bring, we nestle into our bunks succumbing to the dreams that will elevate and carry us into the next day.
Goodnight and sweet dreams.
– Sean
