Our second day of sailing in Antarctica - we arrive at the continent! We are fortunate that we booked this cruise this year - this is the last year for mid size cruise ships to travel to Antarctica. The expedition ships (smaller) will be able to travel - but 2011 is the last year for mid size cruise ships - ecological reasons.
Deception Island is in the South Shetland Islands between Scotia Sea and Weddell Sea. The bay of Deception Island makes a natural harbor. The tall caldera rim blocks strong sea winds while the narrow entrance allows ships to enter but keeps out Antarctica icebergs and rough seas. The bay spans 6 miles. One part of the crater wall has subsided below sea level, creating an entrance into the large harbor in the caldera. The harbor is called Port Foster. The entrance into the harbor is called Neptune's Bellows on account of the howling noises produced when the wind blows through. Whaler's Bay is just inside the mouth of the harbor on the east side of the island. It is the site of an old Norwegian whaling station with crumbling boilers and a British Antarctic Survey base, both are abandoned. If you are on a small ship and are allowed to make landfall, it is the place to have your photo snapped while "swimming" in Antarctica. Actually, it's more of a dip than a swim, and a quick one at that. You wear a bathing suit (under your parka while riding in the Zodiac), then run in the water and stay warm long enough for a photo. The shallow area near shore contains thermal springs, thanks to volcanic activity.
No comments:
Post a Comment