Ukrainian Station

Good morning everybody!
The weather has changed. The last few days have been so beautiful; clear
skies, calm waters and warm (in the 30's) temperatures. Today it's a
little overcast and the winds are picking up.
Yesterday we had 3 landings, and that means taking off and putting on all
the layers 3 times. We're exhausted! (but happy) One of the landings
was to Petermann Island, Circumcision Bay. Funny? Get it! That was a
night trip. We left the ship at 8:30 at night and came back just after
sunset at about 10:30 pm. It virtually daylight here all the time. I
sat and watched a colony of gentoo penguin for what seems like hours. I
had to finally stop taking pictures so I could just enjoy their
interaction. There's only one more month of summer, so the chicks have
to be ready for the winter by then, although from watching them, they
would prefer to stay the cute little fuzzy babies that they are now. In
the morning yesterday we went to the British Base - Lockroy Station.
Again, covered in penguins. I don't think I could ever get tired
watching them interact. We also had a pair of humpback whales circling
the ship out of curiosity. We've also had the pleasure of spotting a
pod of killer whales, about 10 whales in the pod. This is really a
magical place.
On to today: It's just after breakfast and we're going to the
Argentine Islands to Vernadsky Research Station on Galindez Island, and
also to Wordie House on Winter Island. I'm sure there will be
interesting wildlife to report on.
It's finally happened, the entire ship is healthy and we can stop
calling ourselves the "Voyage of the Damned". The doctor is certainly
relieved. Poor guy, was having a hard time keeping up with all the
sick. But that's over.
Antarctica is the most amazing place. Words and the best photography
cannot capture the experience, but we're sure trying. You'll let us
know at the picture party.
It has been determined that penguin wings are not a good source of
nutrition, and they're quite bony (hehe). I could never eat one of
those little guys anyway.
It's time to get ready and start putting on the layers. Oy, such hard
work!!
Edan and Adee - please check if this posting made it to the blog. And if
not, please post it there. Thanks!
Talk at you all soon.
Felice and Bob and Judi

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