Day 2 in Antarctica - I've stepped on my Sixth Continent
Living on an island continent, I never really thought about visiting all the continents in the world. It wasn’t something that motivated me, my goal was to see as much of the oceans as possible. This changed last year when I had the privilege to tick off so many countries.
Suddenly it dawned on me that by cruising to Antarctica, I’ll be ticking off TWO continents in one trip. Now, that’s impressive in any language. I mean how many people do you know have visited the icy continent?
So, as a I stepped onto this most remote continent of the world, I felt this surge of… what was I feeling… pride? Not quite, but as silly as this might sound, I felt like a real explorer, as if I was now part of a special club, a select privileged group of humans who can stake their claim (metaphorically) and scrawl in the snow (again, metaphorically) that I WAS HERE!
P.S Africa, I still have to visit you. Maybe a cruise in Egypt?
That’s one small step for (wo)man
Minutes later, I was standing on the snow, the ice, THE CONTINENT OF ANTARCTICA. I took a moment to breath and check my privilege and said a quiet word of gratitude.
We were briefed the night before that we’d be able to hike quite a distance where we’d be rewarded with an incredible view and loads of chinstrap penguins.
Grabbing some walking sticks, I set off, never one to shy away from a challenge, “You can do this Honey”, I nervously said quietly, and I started slow in the snow, trudging up in measured steps. I watched fellow passengers confidently stride uphill. How did they make it look so easy? I nervously looked up again, it was STEEP, high and the snow was slippery.
And that’s when I gave up. Actually, a better way to explain it was that I recognised my limitations (you all know I’m uncoordinated and accident prone) and lack of experience and skill in snow and just stopped. I wasn’t going to risk hurting myself or jeopardising the rest of the trip just to say I hiked up the hill.
For me, it was the best decision as I could just stand there in the snow, observe the penguins and be in the moment.
The Lone Penguin
Dennis expertly navigated around the bay, slowing down and stopping at vantage points to take in the extraordinary sights. The scenery was different here, with high black mountains – only semi covered in snow - piercing the skyline.
It was then I saw the sweetest animal encounter of my life. A lone chinstrap penguin, standing atop an enormous iceberg, contemplating (it seemed) the meaning of life.
Watch the video here
We circled this lone bird, careful not to startle the poppet. I could have just cried from the cuteness overload. It is memories like this one that are so unique and surreal that will live with me forever, and I have cruising – and especially Swan Hellenic - to thank.
The island of rocks
Before embarking on this adventure, I didn’t realise just how varied landings would be. After a few hours to rest and enjoy the gorgeous ship, I was once again kitted out in the waterproofs and zooming towards Hydragog Island.
Surrounded by rocks of every shape, texture and colour, it was stark contras the early morning landing. This I could manage, and carefully stepped ashore.
Once again, the smell of penguin poo – guano – and their loud song filled the air, and then I spotted a seal, almost camouflaged by the large brown rock he was languidly lounging, totally unaware at the gawking humans.
I headed out to explore this interesting terrain, a lot more rocks, sharp cliffs, a harsh coastline and further afar, majestic icebergs. It was a laid-back meander, spotting more Weddell Seals – singing and stretching - and even one fur seal. Hydragog Island was certainly a wonderful surprise.
Captain My Captain
It’s always one of my favourite evenings aboard a cruise, the Captain’s Cocktail party where all the guests gather to toast the senior officers. Armed with glasses of bubbly, we cheered the captain, and his crew before heading down the Swan restaurant for a special dinner.
Hours later, stomach full and voice hoarse from the lively conversation, I sunk into my bed, falling asleep immediately.
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