One passenger said that we don’t have the vocabulary to explain Antarctica. I think he is correct. I thought Glacier Bay in Alaska was amazingly beautiful. I never seemed to get enough of it. Well, this is 10 times that. The beauty never seems to end! When we first went to Alaska there were numerous animals on the icebergs. Over the years they have become a rarity. The reason has never been explained. Perhaps too many cruise ships, perhaps it is getting too warm. But that is not the case here. We encounter iceberg after iceberg, many of them covered with penguins or seals. The animals seem to be watching us as much as we are watching them. The penguins slide on their stomachs off the icebergs, then the scramble up again and take another look. The seals are often in groups which the commentator identifies as a male leopard seal with his “harem” and pups.
Carter has posted numerous photos, most of which were taken the first and second days. Today has been a disappointment because it started out foggy and has not improved much. We missed the anticipated “iceberg alley”, but I feel so lucky to have had 2 gorgeous days to see the wildlife and environment. We even saw an island that is too hot to touch with your bare skin because it is an active volcano. That just doesn’t seem right here in Antarctica. Alemitu is frozen and has mostly confined herself to the inside of the ship, whereas I finally feel good because it is cold. I brought my MN winter clothes and have enjoyed being out on the deck as much as I can.
The captain managed to find a satellite receptive area during the Super Bowl so we could watch that. Carter went for the first half, missing dinner in the dining room, to dine on hot dogs and hamburgers. He was frustrated because the only “fluids” were those for sale and the salty entrees made him thirsty – and of course, he wouldn’t cave to paying. We were sad for Seattle, but also proud that they were there in the first place.
Carter and the wine steward George now are torturing Alemitu with talk of an arranged marriage for her and his son. When Alemitu asked him if there was one thing that was a must, he said, “You have to be Catholic.” Well, that gave her an out! So then Carter began to negotiate for one of his sons with George’s daughter. Watch out, boys! But George continues to serenade her for his son, asking her if she would please look at her future father-in-law. She is embarrassed beyond belief – so they just keep playing along.
Winnie
February 8, 2006
Foggy day in Antarctica and the ocean swell is picking up as well. We are heading northeast past Elephant Island, Hope Bay and then South Orkney Islands tomorrow. Hoping the radar works as we have seen some rather large and numerous icebergs out here. Am watching a passenger develop a foot ulcer which is slowly evolving before my eyes despite all my efforts to stop the progress and get it to heal. It is so frustrating for all involved. I am having to debride margins every other day and am clearly getting beyond my comfort zone. It is also frustrating not being able to obtain specialty consultation due to delayed and spotty internet availability due to satellite positioning. I hope she still has a viable foot when we arrive in Cape Town February 18, 2006.
Regarding our impressions of the last 3 days cruising in Antarctica; Pictures can’t completely describe the natural beauty and grandeur of the ice, sea birds, penguins, seals, and whales juxtaposed on fantastic basalt mountains jutting out the ocean covered with glaciers, blue ice, and so many hues of light and clouds. It is just so different than any other setting we have ever seen. Awe is perhaps the best word to describe it all!
Hope all is well at home with you all.
Carter
posted by Hills @ 6:21 AM
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