February 8 ~ Swimming in the Antarctic

Two landings today - both on Deception Island. Once again we have been
granted beautiful weather - sunny skies, fluffy white clouds, and golden
sun to warm us.

During this morning's landing we walked along the beach at Whaler's Bay
and met up with a pair of chinstrap penguins who, for the right price,
would pose for photos. Needless to say, we paid up - and shot until,
with a wave of their flippers, they dove into the incoming waves and
left us. When we got back to our landing spot we had the marvelous
opportunity to "swim" in a thermal pool. This "pool" was dug by
members of the crew, was directly on the edge of the bay, and was
DELICIOUS. Those of us who took the plunge changed out of our many
layers of clothing behind a rusted out whaling station. It was GREAT. I
didn't bring a bathing suit, but I didn't care. Clothing back on, we
headed back to our ship and were greeted with hot cocoa laced with rum -
mmm, mmm, good!

After another wonderful lunch, and a few moments to nap, we donned our
gear and headed out to Telefon Bay - no wildlife (other than all of us),
but the stark beauty of life amid volcanoes. The entire landscape looked
as if belonged on the moon - stark and empty. Black and white or brown -
those were the choices. We had a long walk up a steep incline to get to
the top where we could have an incredible view of the entire Caldera. I,
and many others, hiked half way up, rested a bit, and hiked back to the
beach. Every so often there were strong gusts of wind to remind us that
we are not in charge. When we were safely back in our Zodiac, we took a
bit of a tour and found out that the mountain we had been hiking on was
actually a glacier. Back to the ship - no cocoa waited for us at the top
of the stairs this time - and out of our gear for the last time today.

For those of you who are asking "How are Bob and Felice?", here's the
story. Felice is fine. She and I went ashore together this morning, but
after lunch she fell asleep while studying and missed the shore
excursion. Bob? He's been asleep the entire day. Perhaps we'll see him
out and about this evening. This is NOT mal de mer. This is a virus that
is traveling the ship. We are all making every attempt to keep ourselves
germ-free.

There is a briefing that begins - oops, five minutes ago, after which
there will be dinner and a couple of movies. It seems to be getting
choppy. I am headed to the briefing. Talk to you soon.

TheWanderingJu ~ Judi

February 8 ~ Headed to Deception Island

Thursday, February 7 - At Sea

Noticed that the e-mail address I used to send yesterday's report to
Felice and Bob's BLOG was incorrect - as was the day of the week. It is
so easy to lose track of time - very long days filled with lectures,
landings, meals, and "Gear on, gear off". For those of you who may
remember the movie The Karate Kid, you will recall the line used by Mr.
Miagi (my excuses to the Miagi family for butchering their name), "Wax
on, wax off". We are doing much the same thing, and for Floridians,
whose gear consists mostly of shorts and tank tops, it is a chore that
leaves one breathless. But, I ramble. To Felice and Bob's friends and
family; in order to read yesterday's report, please click on the link
that will take you to my BLOG.

Friday, February 8 - At Sea

Yesterday was sent from heaven - blue skies, fluffy marshmallow clouds,
calm seas, seals (brown fur and elephant), penguins (adelie and
chinstrap), and the promise of more to come. We had two landings -
morning and afternoon (please forgive me, I did not bring my notes up to
the library, and have forgotten a few facts). Our morning landing, which
I wrote about yesterday, was on Penguin Island. The name of the island
we visited during our afternoon landing escapes me, as does the name of
the Polish Antarctic Station we visited. What a glorious afternoon it
was. I was much stronger, walked the beach, took dozens of photos,
tripped and fell over a whale vertebra (no injury to me or my cameras),
and saw my first penguins close up (having missed the chinstrap colony
in the morning), and visited at the Polish station. We were well
received and felt like honored guests. One woman, a 25-year old marine
biologist, left her husband behind and came down here for a three month
opportunity of a lifetime. Another woman, also a marine biologist, was
here for her 6th or 8th year.

We returned to our home, MV Polar Star, did the "Wax on, wax off"
thing, went to the evening's briefing, and readied ourselves for
dinner. Felice took a couple of naps throughout the day, but said she
was fine. After dinner, Felice went straight to bed, with a low grade
temp, and Bob and I went to a lecture on Whaling. Half way through, he
headed back to the cabin - not feeing well - and later in the evening he
joined our little group of "unwells". Both of them are still asleep,
and I am sure they will be up and about by breakfast. It is lousy to
feel so lousy on this once in a lifetime adventure. However, we know the
drill - "Man proposes, G-d disposes.", "The best laid plans...",
etc. We, the entire ship are just going with the flow and pushing
ourselves to grab each and every experience.

We will write later this evening after our two landings on Deception
Island - knowing full well that those plans can change as quickly as the
weather in Antarctica. It is GLORIOUS here, and I feel privileged and
fortunate.

TheWanderingJu for Judi, Felice, and Bob

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