We finally made it to Antarctica, a day ahead of schedule. We entered into the Fournier Bay around 1:00 pm and we all went to the outside deck at the bow of the ship to photograph the event. It was pretty windy and snowy, but not terribly cold. We were handed Irish coffees as we looked through the snowflakes, gazed at the icebergs, and spyed a faint glimpse of the land beyond. Magical!

Our cabin window is a huge picture window and the top half opens to the outside, so we were able to take pics of the icebergs that floated by as well as watch all the kayaks and zodiacs cruising by. It felt really nice with the wind and the snowflakes blowing in as we stood there and drank some coffee.

We went to the lounge after breakfast where all the guides and scientists were milling about to answer any questions you might have about the wildlife on Antarctica or about the excursions. Bloody Marys and mimosas were served as well as cookies.

There would not be any landings on shore today – but because we arrived a day early, they offered sea excursions and we immediately signed up for the Special Op Boat. Then we saw that they moved our submarine adventure from Thursday to today. We were so excited, but unfortunately, the excitement dampened (no pun intended) since the weather worsened and the sub excursion was cancelled. They said they will sign us up for another day as soon as possible.
We went to a lecture about Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton who was an Irish Antarctic explorer who led three British expeditions to Antarctica. The story is fascinating and it was amazing how the crew survived in the worst conditions when their ship became stuck in ice and then crushed. The crew was forced to camp on the ice for months.

When it came time to leave for the Special Operations boat…it took longer than we thought it would take to get into our gear. Underlayers, fleece layers, snowpants, hat, goggles, boots, gaiters, socks and liners, gloves and liners, and then the life jacket!! We were a little late getting to the boat, but it all worked out ok.

It’s been snowing all day and it really was coming down as we boarded the boat. Our boots are very heavy and walking and climbing stairs was a little tricky.

We zoomed out in our boat in search of some aquatic animals, and we weren’t disappointed. We saw seals and many whales… One was huge and the guide said we were so lucky as she’s never seen one that big in these waters. The snow was pelting us from all angles, but we really were cozy warm. Apparently, it’s unusual to see snow this time of year. It usually rains.

We came back and took off our winter clothing (Allan had to help me get my boots off) and we hung everything in the warming closet.

We went to hear a lecture by an environmental scientist from Oceanites, about counting penguins, which was very interesting. The scientist spoke about global warming and the impact it has on the penguins. Viking has allowed a group of these scientists to sail on the Octantis, so that they can go on land and count the penguins. I thought that would be an unattainable task…(wait Mr. Penguin. Stand still. Did I count you?… Oh no… Now they’re all moving around. I think I already counted him. Wait…Come back!!!! I didn’t get to count all of you!!!!! Or did I… Who knows?) But in actuality, they don’t count the penguins, but instead, they count the nests. Pretty clever!

We then went to the lounge and enjoyed an after dinner drink while listening to some classical music played by a pianist and a violinist.

Tomorrow will be a busy day.