After a handful of super packed days we stayed put for a whole day getting to know the surroundings of Foyn Harbor and Enterprise Island. As Erik noted in his post it’s the site of an old whaling vessel that was run aground to save the crew from a fire onboard. Today the ship offers us a very safe anchorage. We can’t have perfect weather everyday – that would be San Diego and not Antarctica, but it wasn’t bad. In the morning it was a bit cloudy and overcast, and after an amazing breakfast prepared by Erik (Moroccan egg and garbanzo bean casserole) we got into the dinghy and went for a hike up a hill from where we could get excellent views down the Gerlache Strait. From the summit Fede reviewed our passage from the previous day and then the plan for the coming days – a perfect vantage point to try to figure out where we are in relation to everything else.
Once back onboard Fede continued his map session with the nautical charts. All passengers were huddled around the main saloon table taking in the information and running the whole journey through their heads as Fede narrated. Just as Fede finished a warm soup of Borsht was on the table for lunch.
The afternoon was out again in the zodiac – some cruising around, 2 launched the kayak and explored. Everyone checked out the waterboat on a nearby island and a whale bone on the shores of Enterprise Island.
The relaxing day may have been disturbed late afternoon by the Antarctic Quiz. Some got super competitive and history and animal facts were debated – some correct answers chosen, sometimes not correct answers chosen. In the end even with some debates about correct answers fun was had by all. A few facts for the readers from the quiz –
1. Penguins have the highest density of feathers per square inch of any bird – what is that density (80-90 per sq inch)
2. 7 countries claim parts of Antarctica as part of their national territory – which ones? (UK, Chile, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, France, Norway)
3. What is the loudest animal in world at 180 decibels? (blue whale, although the sound is below the hearing threshold of humans)
Just a few teasers for you!
The day ended with some fantastic pizzas and beer and cider! Ready for another day tomorrow.
Laura, Expedition Leader
