First Continental Landing and Much More!!

Sunday, February 9, 2025

We woke with excitement this morning, January 22. This morning was when we would finally walk on the continent of Antarctica – our first continental landing. You could almost feel the excitement at breakfast. By now we were much better at getting all the layers of gear on and faster at loading the zodiac. It was beautiful out on the water. Definitely a day we needed our polarized sunglasses and sunscreen – items that were highly recommended on our pre-departure literature. Overnight the Captain had positioned the ship in Orne Harbor, about a one-mile-wide cove on the west side of the Antarctic Peninsula. We landed on the beach near a chin strap penguin colony. From the shore it was quite a hike up to the top of the mountain. The view back down of the ship in the harbor and the other scenery made the hike worthwhile. Just stepping on the snow and starting the climb thinking about where we were standing was a tearful moment. It was all we had thought Antarctica would be and so much more. One of the “mores” was that we had a wedding while there. A couple wanted to be married in Antarctica so there was a little private service for them while we were exploring the Harbor. We wish them well.

Early morning whale viewing before heading out in the zodiacs.

Our first steps on the actual continent of Antarctica were on this rocky shore. Then we had to climb up the rocks to the snow for our hike up the hill.

The climb seemed longer in the heavy boots and winter gear.

The crew set up this sign so we could each document our visit to the continent.

Our first group picture on the continent of Antarctica

We wondered if this sailing vessel had as much fun on the Drake Passage as we did.

The penguins at Orne Harbor were again their playful and entertaining selves. We were sad when it was time to return to the ship for lunch.

After a quick lunch, we prepared for our afternoon kayaking journey in Wilhelmina Bay, an extra excursion we signed up for. We just thought it took a lot of time to dress for regular excursions. Today we had to get dressed in dry suits and more layers of clothes and socks. Talk about work! After we passed all the safety requirements for kayaking we loaded into a zodiac towing our kayaks. When we reached a point closer to shore we were assisted in entering our sea kayaks and paddled away. It was such a different feeling to be down in the water among all the ice and icebergs. It was like a dream, but we were actually in Antarctica. We paddled around a while and then stopped for a while to just listen to all the ice movements/crackles/splashes. So quiet yet so loud at times. So peaceful.

It takes some effort to get into a drysuit.

One of the crew members measuring the density of phytoplankton in the water as part of the Citizen Science Program

Another odd iceberg we saw from the kayak

After returning to the ship, it was time for the Polar Plunge. For the last 18 months we said that we were NOT going to do the plunge. We are too old! Well, the brisk Antarctica air must have removed some of those years or maybe some more of our brain cells, because we did the plunge along with Barry and Donna. Polar Latitudes provided us with great, warm bathrobes for the entire trip. They were also for us to wear over our bathing suits while we were waiting our turn for the plunge. When it was our turn, we were secured to the ship by a rope and after receiving encouragement from our shipmates, we made the big jump into the Antarctic Ocean. We then QUICKLY got out of the water and were given warm towels, our bathrobes and some hot chocolate. How was it you ask? COLD! A stinging cold. But we all agreed that it wasn’t as bad as we expected it to be. It was appropriate for the four of us to do this together. Donna had wanted us to do the plunge when we were all in Alaska in 2014 at Prudhoe Bay. Prudhoe Bay was still covered in ice in June when we were there so the best we could do that day was stand in snow up to our knees on the ice covering Prudhoe Bay. Today makes up for what we missed in 2014.

… and finally Barry (followed by dozens of other otherwise intellegent passengers).

After we all had hot showers, the next item on the agenda was a big barbeque dinner on the back deck of our ship. So much good food! It was another amazing day. We were so blessed to be in this incredibly beautiful place.