Howdy from Astrolabe

We awoke to a ray of sunshine which progressed and progressed and the day turned out to be absolutely lovely.  The wind was not so good and so it was a false start for a zodiac ride around Astrolabe Island.
 
All dressed up and nowhere to go.
 
Nina gave an impromptu lecture of Antarctica.  She is the historian of the expedition staff and is an amazing storyteller.  So entertaining.

 
It was then the polar plungers turn to entertain.  I can’t believe that there were 16 people.  Two were staff but of the guests that would be more than 10%.  The water was freezing and penguins turned up to see what was going on.
 
After lunch we did our zodiac cruise.  What a wonderful place the island was.  The dragons teeth had an entry in but we couldn’t make it because it was blocked by bergs.  Lots of penguins on icebergs, sheath bills, chinnies, gentoos and Adelies around.  Fulmars nesting in the high cliffs and Weddell and Leopard seals in the inner beach.
 
It was back to the ship and time for a recap and then bbq.
 
We were the last ones to leave at around 10.30 and the Captain, the wellness lady and first mate were solving the worlds problems in Mawson’s bar.
 
Some albert Rosses around but no whales.
 
High winds are predicted tomorrow when we arrive at Elephant Island at 4 pm.


The main is a weddell seal waving hello to you blipmates, the extra is the polar plungers, Astrolabe as we were leaving for Elephant Island, Adelies and a shag pretending to be an Adelie on a berg and some bergs in the morning.