Ocean Tramp – Neptune’s Bellows

in
antarctica

Blog Friday 16th Dec 2022
Having made it through Neptune’s Bellows just after midnight in low light, light fog and a decent breeze, we had anchored in Stancomb Cove on the north west interior of Deception Island by around 0130 hours. Then after breakfast, a chance to hike around Cross Hill and the lower reaches of Telefon Ridge – the landscape created by the 1967 volcanic eruption calling to mind Iceland, or Mars.
Our afternoon was spent ashore in Whalers Bay, wandering amongst slowly collapsing buildings and machinery, the legacy of industrial whaling from 1906 to 1931, and of later occupation as a base for the first Antarctic flight in 1928. This was largely destroyed by a second volcanic eruption in 1969, and thermal heating of the south eastern shoreline means sulphury vapours are still emitted. The abiding impression is melancholy – abandoned and desolate, a place of whaling slaughter, their bones still visible through the water.

Share This Post :

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp

Explore more...

Interested in one of our trips?

Please fill out the form, and we’ll be delighted to have you join our next trip. We look forward to seeing you!

You have made a penguin happy :)

Thanks for your message. An advisor will contact you shortly. Feel free to follow us on our social media channels!

×