Gratitude – for the proximity to water and wildlife, the fair weather, access to scientists onboard, and the professional crew taking care of us.
Erin, Passenger
Day 10 – Ocean Tramp – Erin
It was a beautiful morning waking up to sunshine emerging from behind the tall peaks beyond vast glaciers in our safe and protected anchorage.
Our first activity was learning about the FjordPhyto citizen science project from Lucas. Over half of the Earth’s oxygen comes from phytoplankton, more than all forests combined. This organism takes carbon dioxide out of the environment and cleans it for us to breathe and live. Since the 1950’s, 87% of Antarctic glaciers have receded, which means more fresh water and a change in the chemistry of ocean water, impacting all local species. The building block of the food chain in Antarctica is phytoplankton, which is the food source of krill. Krill is eaten by penguins, whales, seals, and if you’re not eating krill, you are eating those who eat krill. Hence, the importance of phytoplankton to the entire ecosystem of Antarctica.
We took a zodiac out to take a variety of samples and collect data for FjordPhyto.org and while we were waiting for the 10 minute window all the zodiac passengers participated in a short meditation hosted by yours truly, Erin.
Back on board, we took a short break to launch the kayaks into Paradise Harbor. Through the calm, glass like water, we viewed Cormorant (blue eyed shag) nesting grounds on a cliffside and watched them playfully take baths in the sea water. There was a small colony of our trusty gentoo penguins at the Argentine Base Brown, who we watched swim and porpoise through the bay. The most magnificent part was the stunning glaciers, whose expanse words and photos can hardly begin to describe. Towering spires of aqua blue meeting the ocean with vast expanses of crevasses mixing with the mountain topography.
After several hours out on the water, we met back up with the Ocean Tramp and it was perfect timing for the Polar Plunge! Many brave souls entered the 1C water for this monumental event to swim in Antarctica as well as bolster the many health benefits of cold exposure. A beef stew lunch was served by Scotti, who is now the Best Employee of the Month and has a scientific rendering of likeness posted in the saloon.
Post lunch, we continued sailing north through the Errera Channel and found a family of whales frolicking and traveling together. Many amazing photos were taken as well as moments of silence on deck as we all gazed in awe.
Afternoon cruising was easy in calm waters with bountiful sunshine, enjoyed by many on deck. Our anchorage in Foyn Harbor is stabilized by the shipwrecked Guvernoren. Deck Hand Daniel was the MVP of the moment showing incredible aptitude and athleticism navigating the ropes.
Summary for today is gratitude for the proximity to water and wildlife, the fair weather, access to scientists onboard, and the professional crew taking care of us.
