Elephant Island

Years ago one of the first trips I planned with my friend Madeline was on Holland America with a stop at Elephant Island…or at least Scenic Cruising.  We canceled that to trade for the Los Angeles to New York cruise around the Horn.  No dip down to what I did not realize then was Antarctica.  That was a great cruise and I guess could have added time on the Great White Continent but it is difficult to accomplish.  Regulations are stern and vary depending on the mood of the governments that share the space.  Mostly Argentina, Chile, and U.S.  There is no continental government that I am aware of but several Commissions that regulate use and visits. 

I happen to be on the largest ship to ever even enter the waters.  Rules have changed and as long as we don’t get off we can view.  The energy has to be different to a low emissions petrol.  No discharge of sewage or foods scraps.  No exterior lights within certain areas, curtains also drawn, much like when we were in pirate territory.  Wildlife is protected at all cost.  My sister was here so she must have been on an expedition ship that had a total of 500 passengers and crew or less.  A little, bitty, boat plus Drake’s Passenger plus a storm = No Thanks!  I am sure the experience would have been incredible but yesterday was overwhelming enough to suit me! 

You must come while you can as there is talk they are closing it to all non-research intrusion.

The day has been a quiet as we are not expected to reach the area until close to 2:00.  A couple of Trivia contests filled some of the time.  I read for a while and also visited with total strangers.  It is always easy to meet and talk with people on a ship.  You already know you have a lot in common.  You are travelers, learners, adventurers, and for the most part broke!

While sailing to Elephant Island, Mickey retold the Shackleton story.  It is indeed a wonderful idealistic tale.  Alos a tale of bad advice! If you do not know it, please read something about this heroic mission.

The day had a clear sunrise but fog settled in.  Reminded me of an old movie called Ship of Fools!  Not only was there no horizon to be seen but at some points the chairs on my balcony were not even visible from inside the room!  But the gods and luck were with us.  For about three hours Elephant Island was visible from the ship.  Amazing to see, from one viewpoint, 12 glaciers flowing to the sea!  The blue ice was iridescent even under the cloudy skies and through the heavy mist.  It was worth being out on deck to see such a stunning landscape.  We left our viewing point and as we sailed away the fog engulfed us again.  The land’s end was not visible in just a matter of minutes.  Our viewing was as though God himself raised the curtain to give us this experience.  Why?  So that we could all share with you the joy that nature provides and the importance of even the most remote, uninhabited places on earth.

 Notice the difference from the day before!  

See all the chairs tied up because of the storm.  

Glad I am not stepping a foot off the ship today.

This glacier is 12 miles wide! Probably 15 stories high!

 Blue ice is pure clean water!

 For the MickeyLive Snapshot Rally I called this one 'S-M-L'.  Small, Medium, Large!

 

 Hardy, Ellie, and I so happy to be here.  So lucky to be seeing this amazing view!

 No idea who this is.  But love this picture.  Love the blanket hat.  

I wonder if his phone reception would be better if it was in the hand by his face?

 The fog settling back down.  The curtain closed on our view.

 A penguin playing near an ice flow.

 Our wake leaving our Antarctic adventure behind.

 Elephant Island is gone!

 The exhaustion returned and you could see that on board people who were exhilarated only moments ago were slowing their walk, finding places to sit and to read, and to warm up with a drink.   Dinner in the dining room once again will become our routine, most likely.  Anna prefers the grab and go of the buffet which serves pretty much the same food in a more independent atmosphere.  I did leave quickly to go join the line for the Snapshot Rally.  I was glad I did.  I was number 18 in line and it was being cut at 20.  Mickey was doing it a little differently this time wanting you to have all four of your pictures turned in on the same day.  I was there about an hour and ten minutes so you can imagine the time involved just for the collection. Then to edit and frame all 80 for the file is a major commitment.  It isn’t part of their contract but an extra.  It does, however, give them right to your four photos I guess, they are being shared publicly.

I went to the 9:00 show which was a musical revue with dance of the influence of Mozart on the world of music.  It was quite lovely but then tea and bed.  Back in the cabin, Anna was tucked in watching a movie.  We chatted for a while comparing notes of our day.  I have finished The President is Missing that Anna had lent me.  I did pick up a trashy novel in the library.  I must always have something at hand.   I was able to read late because we do not have to be up early tomorrow.