highplanesdrifters

After hightailing it out of SG we sailed through Icebergs extrodinare. One of the most fascinating was the Jade Iceberg. Dan Olsen gave a great talk on Glacier Ice. He is a crowd favorite. Intelligent and one of the funniest people on the ship. Here's the latest science. Hope you enjoy. Jade icebergs are formed under very different conditions, when mineral-rich seawater freezes to the underside of an ice shelf in layers, then eventually breaks off and floats away. These jade bergs contain layers of the pure blue-white ice from the glacier and greener ice below, formed from frozen seawater. Some icebergs of blue glacial ice contain green stripes of marine ice, formed by seawater freezing up into basal crevasses. A number of theories have previously been put forward about why frozen seawater turns such a remarkable shade of green, including the presence of dead phytoplankton or dissolved organic carbon. The researchers found that these materials were not present in large enough amounts to explain the colour. The scientists also believe that these mineral-rich ice blocks could play a role in promoting biological activity in the Southern Ocean, by transporting nutrients to areas where iron is in short supply. Iron is an essential trace nutrient for the growth of marine phytoplankton, which are the tiny plants at the base of the Antarctic food web. Here's the eye candy!

Just heard Wind got two zodiac cruises in on the North part of SG. YAY for them!

Grytviken and Bootgate What and eerie and surreal place. Due to bird flu, Shackletons grave and the whaling station were closed. The church, museum and gift shop were open. A nice hike was offered. It was a bit of a bust for us as someone had pilfered one of each of our boots. Staff helped us search high and low. Nothing. We were the last excursion, time was running out we had to find something that could work. Lovie got one boot that was wet inside and I got one that was too small. We did a hobble to the Museum and just enjoyed the glorious scenery and sunshine. Luckily we had been here before. This was in the touch section of the museum. The Penguins have been everywhere. Its hard to resist the urge to give them a pet. Now I know what they feel like. One of our friends got chased by a bull fur seal. Glad she didn't have this sunk into her backside! Ironic, mom and nursing pup enjoying the day under the vestiges of a past best forgotten. . Shackletons Grave seen from the Zodiac. Lucky for us we had our tipple last time we were here. Matt did arrange a toast before the briefing. Nice touch.

Would love to know if your friends are able to get any excursions. Grytviken harbor is blocked by icebergs. Not as much protection to launch zodiacs. The Captians decision to leave SG early was fully supported by the guests. The area is chuck full of icebergs. Hard enough to navigate and pick your way through with calm seas, imagine a storm tosing them at the ship. As mentioned Captian has his team working double duty. They have done an amazing job. We are past the ice for the most part. Although the weather is miserable we are staying ahead of the worst.

We often joke with friends and our TA - " I didn't know it existed, and I didn't know I needed to go there". We'll see if mother nature decides to let us in.😅 As an example, Shag Rock South Georgia. I didn't know it existed. It was a wildlife extravaganza, one of the highlights of the trip.

I asked the same question. It's been corrected. What a shame, I was looking forward to more muddling.

Yes, Captain Freddie. What a great guy. Hightailing is an understatement, clicking along at 18 kts. No swell at the moment which makes it a sweet smooth ride. There are an inordinate amout of Bergs. Double night watch. Glad he's at the helm. As for The Wind, she's been drawing the short straw in the weather department. Perhaps she's headed for shelter in the Falklands, who knows. Hope your friends are enjoying! Current position Revised itinerary. Other than an extra sea day I wonder what might happen after Nightingale. Old itinerary.

Purple is bad. We all know this. We knew it was coming. It's bad. Captain gave a special briefing. We were scheduled for 5 days in South Georgia. We got 3 of the most amazing days anyone could possibly imagine in one of the most amazing places on the planet. The bonus round really kicked in after day 2. We've got one heck of a storm to outrun and some rough days to come. Tristan here we come.

Possession Bay, South Georgia In the interest of over stimulation EL Claudia scored us an afternoon landing. We had shoreline entertainment and a short hike up a rocky stream bed to the main King Penguin colony. There was also a small Gentoo outpost and a few elephant seals. As you look through the photos and videos notice how some Kings strive to be taller. As opposed to fighting and bashing each other, this is how they show their masculinity. They have no interest in Beer Pong. Legendary Brent Houston encourages guests to stop, slow down and just observe. You might not see everything, but you will see more. Great advice. An easy wet landing with no swell. Critters everywhere. 20240307_160120.mp4 The Kings stretched all along the beach will the fur seal pups scattered amongst them. We joined the line of Kings headed up the hill to the colony. 20240307_161402.mp4 Along the way seals and their pups nestled and played in the Tussock grass. Striking their pose. When they molt, each little feather is replaced. Imagine. Worth the short hike up. 20240307_162413.mp4 What possessed them to go stand on the other side? This one cracks me up. 20240307_163310.mp4 Barbershop quartet? Actually many small groups standing around to see who is tallest. Time to make the donuts. 20240307_163450.mp4 Scratching contest. 20240307_165155.mp4 Playing pups. 20240307_170828.mp4 This pup was at war with the Gentoo. He followed him everywhere and nipped away. He would occasionally snip at a King just for fun. He has organized a Beer Pong game at 3pm. 20240307_170828.mp4 And then weather moved in. 20240307_170022.mp4

I'm a convert. The cruise at Salisbury was incredible.

Awww, thanks. Means a lot coming from the best.

Salisbury Plain, South Georgia. No words needed, except.... Penguin Soup 20240307_100224_1.mp4 20240307_102254.mp4 20240307_102751.mp4 20240307_103039.mp4 20240307_104329.mp4

Exactly! It's the only front deck space.....AND it's not always open.

After a few hours at Shag Rock an announcement was made that we would now resume our course to Salisbury Plain, South Georgia. Everyone left, save for a few. The show didn't stop. The Hourglass dolphins showed up. This brought most of the Expedition Staff to the OL. A first for many. The Tristan Albatros was now easy to identify without all those pesky whales distracting us. And then a large pod of pilot whales decided to appear. It's now 4:30 and like the gentleman earlier, I too am exhausted. Stimulation overload. Just a swim by, no close up Mr. DeMile. 20240306_163710.mp4 And like @FauxNom pointed out there is a pushy shovey lot on board.

Shag Rock - Round 2 Aftet the Killer Whale show, and BTW, that is how to refer to them scientifically, the show escalated. The waters and air were full of so many species it was hard to know where to look. One gentleman was called by his wife to come to the othere side of the ship, he said " Leave me alone, there's too much going on over here, I'm exhausted. 😅 The show went on for hours. Just a few of the species we saw. Fin whales Penfuins, Kings & Macaroni Fur seals Orcas Albatros, Wandering & Black-browed Prions Pilot Whales Rare Bonus Round Tristan Albatros Royal Penquin Hourglass dolphins Blue Whales The Fin Whales were interspersed with the largest animal on earth, the rare Blue Whale. We were surrounded by them. Blows as far as they eye could see. Unheard of calm and mirror sea conditions. Not the best videos, reflections, etc. Hopefully they will give you a sense of what we saw. 20240306_140819.mp4 VID-20240306-WA0010.mp4

Thay made me promise to say Hello! 😃 It is clear they enjoy surfing the bow. There were many more Orcas than pictured. The water dance they did before the surf put Olympic synchronized swimmers to shame. Still have Goose bumps.

Shag Rocks, South Georgia We were told this was an important place for wildlife. It did not disappoint. I am overwhelmed by what we have seen today. Shag Rocks are part of South Georgia. A large colony of Shags reside there. Wildlife surrounds the area due to the steep geography and upswelling that occurs. Upswelling brings nutrients up from the deep cold waters. Chow time ensues. We had calm seas in usually violent waters. How, how am I this lucky? Shag Rocks Part 1 Orcas As we approached Shag Rocks Orcas appeared in the distance. Lots of Orcas. Lots and lots of Orcas.The Captain slowed the ship to minimal speed. The Gathering 20240306_140819.mp4 The Aproach 20240306_122941.mp4 Stills Get ready VID-20240306-WA0004.mp4 Let's Ride VID-20240306-WA0005.mp4

Oh THANK YOU @FauxNom for the excellent recap. After talking to others I wish I had gone there.

Very true!

The Overcrowded Zodiac problem. Before I get in to the negative, a pause for the positive. Service Onboard has been 6* Aman quality. Food has been excellent with rarely a miss. No ask too small. Hats off to Michelle HD, and Head Chef. The Zodiac problem. The new bladder bench in the smaller zodiacs eliminate approximately 12-24 inches of seating room. It also forces the passengers seated toward the center of the zodiac. If there are 8 in the zodiac it's acceptable bit not ideal. When overcrowded with 10 it is impossible to move, much less enjoy a 45-90 minute zodiac cruise. If one is in the back you find yourself uncomfortably close the the equator of the driver...if you know what I mean, wink wink. On the other side you are banged in the head by the driver steering. It's hard for the driver to maneuver creating a safety problem. FYI we had discussions about the zociac problems with previous EL Michael, HD Michelle, and sent 2 letters to Muckerman and guest relations. I've just spoken to EL Claudia and she assures me 8 passengers is her policy on the small zodiacs unless there is an special circumstance. Hopefully this will be the case on this leg of the cruise, otherwise mutineers ready at all stations.😃 You can see the bladder bench in the zodiac on the left. Another view. Equator view, and this is in a zodiac with 8. Imagine 10! Even Expedition team members are unhappy with these zodiacs. Perhaps that is stating the obvious. The benches are built in, so cannot be removed. Just another thing to fix commented one. Limited room without the driver. Zodiac with 10. And the absolutely fabulous Victoria. Zodiac with 8. You can even turn and take a picture! Our group has no problem with a crowded zodiac on shore runs. It is the overcrowding on cruises that is unacceptable. So why post on Cruise Crittic? It's a challenge when there are simple solutions and one feels you are not heard. Communicate and raise awareness any way you can.

Link to the live :

Thanks for the shout out. Look forward to sailing with you someday. @markandjie It is important to know that a trip to Antarctica is a weather roulette wheel. Temper your expectations. We are on Silver Cloud. Silver Wind was one day behind us. We sailed through the Drake Lake in one day, sunshine and high 30's for 5 days and had 10 excursions. Silver Wind got caught/delayed by weather. We heard they had only a handful of excursions. We love the Cloud, but she is an older ship. If the itinerary is right we'll jump aboard without hesitation. Seabourn Venture and Pursuit are our preferred expedition vessels. Better facilities in general. Larger boot room, and most importantly much more outdoor deck space for wildlife viewing. Do not underestimate the importance of this. We'll be trying Ponant soon. Perhaps veteran expedition traveler @jpalbny can chime in on those ships. Food and service are also a roulette wheel on all cruising ships right now. Staff changes constantly. Do not judge based on one review, good or bad. Although it seems expedition ships are faring a bit better in the food and service department than traditional ocean cruises. We had terrible food and service on the Encore in November, but have 3 Seabourn expedition trips on the books. Good luck, and keep us posted.

@drron29 Your day will come! Ok, twist my arm, one more. Shows you how close the were to the ship. People with proper cameras got some amazing shots. 20240304_172952.mp4

Don't give up drron!!! This was the first time I have seen Orcas. Shocking given all the Polar, sea travel, and whale watching we've done. I've thought of myself as the Orca jinx. If I can break the spell, so can you!

I must try and grab a dinner.