Marlis, Passenger
As we gather for our morning excursion at the stem of the Hans Hansson, we slip our feet into our muck boots for another day’s adventure. A passenger spots a humpback whale on the port side only meters from our little ship … All activity stops to watch the whale silently pass by us. The only sound is the whale’s breath. This majestic animal graced us with its presence for 10 minutes swimming around the boat before we all had to venture onwards in the zodiacs in search for more wildlife and scenery! It truly feels like being in another world!
During our outing, we came across fur, Weddell and crab eater seals, humpback whales, Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins along with hunting Skuas and shag sea birds. We stopped and watched as members of a Chinstrap colony ventured their way to the water’s edge and made the plunge into the cold Southern Ocean. So adorable!
At the end of our expedition day … it was time to do the …. POLAR PLUNGE!!! As we were preparing ourselves mentally over and over … we headed to the stern of the boat where the zodiac and crew were waiting. With fear of how the Antarctic water would shock our bodies, we still presented this facade of strength and will as if we were penguins jumping into frigid waters…one by one, cheering each other on, we took the plunge.
The excitement was abundant that we each achieved this goal, and we were all full of life. It was truly invigorating, I highly recommend!
Another magnificent day! This is only a small glimpse what today offered…thank you Antarctica.
