Antarctic expedition Dec. '22 - Jan. '23. Part 8

Continuing the numbering from Part 7.

94. As our farewell to South Georgia the captain made a short tour of the Drygalski Fjord, a stunning landscape of mountains and glaciers running down to the sea.
Drygalski fjord, South Georgia by Joe Lewit, on Flickr

95.
Drygalski fjord glacier terminal by Joe Lewit, on Flickr

96.
Drygalski glaciers, South Georgia by Joe Lewit, on Flickr

97.
'Greg Mortimer' in Drygalski Fjord, South Georgia by Joe Lewit, on Flickr

There followed several days and nights at sea heading for Elephant Island and then the Antarctic Peninsula, during which time we were treated to lectures and presentations by the expedition team, plus limited number, masked, sanitised and distanced tours of the ship's bridge. Pre-Covid, Aurora's policy was that the bridge was always open to all, but now precautions had to be observed. Especially as several passengers caught it when they visited Stanley, and had to be isolated in their cabins until they tested clear. All the ship's crew and the expedition team did all they had to to remain healthy.

98. Our captain and two officers of the watch.
The 'Greg Mortimer' bridge by Joe Lewit, on Flickr

99. Pointing to the joystick with which the ship is basically controlled.
Captain with joystick controls, 'Greg Mortimer' Bridge by Joe Lewit, on Flickr

100. The team organised a sweepstakes for passengers to guess when we would sight our first iceberg. It was the morning after we departed South Georgia, very much earlier than most of us expected.
First iceberg sighting by Joe Lewit, on Flickr

101. Almost 90% of it is submerged.
Iceberg, Scotia Sea by Joe Lewit, on Flickr

102.
Iceberg, one-eighth visible above waterline by Joe Lewit, on Flickr

103. Long way from land, endangered Cape Petrels were flying with the ship, looking for any food stirred up in our wake.
Cape petrel by Joe Lewit, on Flickr

104. Often in tight and fully coordinated formation.
Cape petrels formation flying by Joe Lewit, on Flickr

105. I guess the white underbelly is hard to see against the light sky if you're a marine predator.
Cape petrels, undersides by Joe Lewit, on Flickr

106. Elephant Island was shrouded in fog, and the swell was at least 2 metres, but our Expedition Leader determined we should get out on zodiacs for a closer look even though landings were impossible.
Elephant Island in fog by Joe Lewit, on Flickr

107. Very atmospheric, and well worth any discomfort.
Zodiac cruise around Elephant Island by Joe Lewit, on Flickr

108. Home to Chinstrap penguins, several of whom we saw 'porpoising' through the water on their fishing trips.
Chinstrap penguins 'porpoising', fishing by Joe Lewit, on Flickr

109. Some of their nesting sites were way on top of the crags, a long distance above the water line.
Elephant Island zodiac tour by Joe Lewit, on Flickr

110. Launch and landing sites looked pretty scarce and rugged.
Elephant Island with Chinstrap penguins by Joe Lewit, on Flickr

That's all, until our next stop, finally Antarctica. See Part 9.





Edited by Jozioau - 03 March 2023 at 04:07

Always interesting to see pictures from the polar regions. I would suggest slightly cropping #110 from the right in order to remove that partially shown person from the frame.

Absolutely awesome series, Joe! What a fantastic experience you had and wonderful photos! I am really enjoying the view you are giving us of this remarkable journey! Great work! Thank you!
Kelly

What a stunning journey and reportage!
Keep them coming please!