Visit to Deception Island
This morning we arrived at Deception Island, which is part of the South Shetland Islands. The entrance to the inner bay was tight between the sides of the volcanos and some rocks. It wasn't obvious from first viewing, but luckily Terry and others from the Europa crew have been before so with their knowledge and of course some navigation we made it in. The first landing of the day was to a former Whaling station. As soon as we landed, the entire place felt really eerie. As well as huts, sheds and whaling equipment of varying decay, there were also a number of whale bones on the beach. I can't imagine what it must have been like when fully in operation, the smell must have been overbearing for a start!
The history of the site as well as the doom and gloom of the whaling also included a former British Aircraft hanger and landing strip. In complete contrast to this we walked up to Neptunes window, which gave us another spectacular sight and as it was a clear day we could see all the way to the Antarctic Peninsula!
After the landing Annika and I went climbing and out on the yard with Hakon - it was magical up there and I'm eager to climb again whenever the next opportunity arises! We are now motoring to Telefon Bay which will be the second landing for the day.
I still can't believe we are in Antartica - it is truly amazing and each day we see new things that I didn't know was possible to beat from the day before! The ice has so many colours in it, from white to blue. The Penguins (which are sooooo stinky!!) are so much fun to watch, dancing in and our the water as well as hopping and waddling on land. We have seen Whales and two different kinds of seals so far, with more yet to come. Mother Nature you are giving us the most wonderful experience in every way, we are so lucky to be here.
Yesterday when we were walking in Yankee harbour I had tears in my eyes as all the beauty around me was truly overwhelming. I keep pinching myself that this is real!
Ruth Charles, Blue Watch