Erin, Passenger
Today began in the calm cove of Foyn Harbor. Scottie served up some pancakes and bacon with the standard fruit, meat, and cheese platter to get us started. After pulling anchor, we headed toward Wilhelmina Bay in water that was like glass. A few of us were dancing on the deck to sea shanties to get the circulation flowing. Damien graciously served us hot chocolate to warm our spirits on the windy deck.
En route to Gerlache Strait we gazed in awe at the expansive view of soaring mountains, including Mount Francis. Between ice fields, we encountered 2 sleeping whales (one of whom was tagged) porpoising penguins, and a sleepy seal.
Around Cape Anna we dined on cabbage and apple stew with poached chicken and a delicious fried bacon topping. Then, the sun came out and the landscape changed entirely with high mountain peaks showing their tops and a new blue in the ice emerged. Everyone was in great spirits (as per usual) and started to take off the layers through Errea Channel to final anchorage at Couverville Island.
After getting settled, we moved on to the kayaks. Padding through small icebergs in still water was like a dream. Water dripped from iceberg eaves like a soft rain and bursts of blue and turquoise filled the horizon while penguins frolicked within a few meters. According to Judiths GPS, we paddled 2.5km and we were back on the yacht for a short break before we took off again on the Zodiac for a landing at the penguin colony.
It is hard to estimate how many, but penguins filled the entire cove for as far as the eye can see. We were able to safely (5m distance) walk around the colony and observe the fantastic creatures. They are very busy walking hither and thither, squawking at each other, going out in the water to eat, and feeding their young. We were given the opportunity to watch pebble choosing and gifting for nest building as well as all of the tiny fluffy young ones. What a gift!
Our final adventure of the day was in search of black ice, a clear, no bubbles ice for our cocktail toast. At the dinner table, Daniel shared the story and quote of the day before digging into beef stroganoff and a toast to another brilliant day shared together.
Erin
