Antarctica, Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil
Antarctica, Hansen Island North Cape
During the afternoon of our 5th day in Antarctica—our last—we took the Zodiacs out for a final cruise, this time to the northern shore of Hansen Island. Sure, it was more seals and birds and ice, but, believe me, that never gets old!
Here are some photos:
The last time we boarded our Zodiacs duplicated every other time we had done it: Down the stairs to the Mud Room, go to your locker, don your boots and parka, and then your life preserver. Next, line up along the wall, and when they're ready for you, go down the steep stairs to the water, using the offered sailors' grips as you descend. Finally, step aboard the Zodiac and get your backside on the float quickly, and then scootch (is that a word?) to your assigned position. It was awkward at first, but by this time it was pretty much routine. But nothing we saw out on the Zodiacs was routine—it was always new and fresh and fascinating.
This Weddell Seal had just come out of the water when we spotted it on some drift ice. Look closely and you can see the water still dripping off it.
A bit farther on, we found this Weddell Seal basking this absolutely beautiful day in rare Antarctic sunshine.
A pair of Antarctic Shags. Check out those blue eyes!
I almost missed seeing this Antarctic Fur Seal, it blended in with the rocks so well.
And then it was suddenly time to go back to the ship for the last time. I'm so going to miss these adventures!