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Tuesday 3rd March 2015

James Ross Island and Devil Island Weddell Sea

The plan had been to anchor and land at Devil Island but waking to very heavy pack ice it became clear that we had no chance of achieving our objective. However, compensation came in the form of being able to view very close quarters the surreal and truly magical pack ice surrounding the ship.

Pete and JB

Moreover, it presented an opportunity for the traditional group photo to be taken on deck with the photographer AEL Liz dressed up in her penguin outfit.

With plans to proceed further south into the Weddell Sea thwarted the only option was to beat a retreat, retracing our steps to Brown Bluff and towards Antarctic Sound. In the process we receive ample evidence of the incredible navigational skills of the captain and his crew.   As we extricate ourselves from the pack ice we enjoy a bonus sighting of penguins and crabeater seals out on the ice floes.

During the the afternoon we enjoyed lectures, first from historian Alasdair on the exploration journeys of Nordenskjold, Bruce and Charcot and then from naturalist Diego on penguins, pointing out that the seals spotted earlier were in fact krill eaters rather than crab eaters.

Before dinner we received an update from the various team members, especially Diego who took the opportunity to explain why Argentina has set up a colony at Hope Bay ( or Esperanza in Spanish. As he explained there has been something of a race between especially Argentina and Chile to have some children born on the Antarctic landmass while the British have established a Post Office!

As we approach evening the swell becomes greater so we decide not to linger too long before turning in.  Once again fellow passengers come to our assistance with Anne loaning us a charger for the IPad and Tom a lightning connection for my IPhone.

Tom also provides the comment of the day when he explains that he couldn’t get a scotch as there was a shortage of ice! Quite ironical as we had spent much of the day extricating ourselves from threatening pack ice.

A memorable day which embodied much of what we had come so far to see and experience.

Turn off the lights as the ship pitches and rolls just enough to be conducive to pleasant night’s sleep.

Cheers

The Obese Ferret