Antarctica, Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil
Antarctica, Tutton Point
During the morning of our 5th day in Antarctica, we made our last landing, this time at Tutton Point at the southwest corner of Liard Island. The landing was challenging. So far as the crew was aware, we were the first expedition cruise to ever land there. Our expedition guides searched around the Point to identify the best place to land. It turned out the best place was still very rocky, with uncertain footings and steep climbs. They recommended that only those of us who felt confident in our abilities attempt the landing. Yikes! Most of us avoided the landing and set off on Zodiac cruises, but I had to give it a go.
Here are some photos:
The landing involved clambering up a rocky shore and then hiking to the top of a glacier. This is the vista from the top, looking northwestward to Adelaide Island. The day was cold, but almost cloudless. That's a rarity in Antarctica. Just stunning!
I found picking my way up through the rocks to be, if not easy, then at least familiar. It's not unusual to have to do that at home in Arizona. Most of the hike, though, was walking in ankle-deep snow up a fairly steep incline (this photo doesn't do the steepness justice). That part was a challenge for me. I couldn't remember the last time I hiked in the snow!
Here we're looking across the strait that separates Liard Island from Adelaide Island on the western edge of the Antarctic continent.
Here's proof that I did actually make it to the top of the glacier on Liard Island. Thanks to Gary Mlodzik for taking this photo—and to Martha Dillon to convincing me to have Gary take the photo. I enjoy pointing my camera at people, but I'm not so comfortable having the camera pointed at me! This one is for Mary.
Take a close look at the rocks leading down to the water from the bottom of the snow path. You'll see quite a number of green parkas and how steep the rocky climb/descent was. Kudos to my fellow adventurers!
There were other eyes keeping track of us. They were continually swimming between the ship and our landing point. I have to wonder what they thought of these odd green bipeds...