Perfect Weather, Polar Plunge, and One Last Sunset

Today was our last day in Antarctica proper, but our expectations were not super high after a day where most of us stayed on the ship. Still, it was hard to not feel giddy when you are greeted by sunny skies, incredible vistas, and absolutely still seas. The energy was reverberating through the entire ship, and we all carried our excitement off as we made our way to Danco Island with absolutely perfect conditions. 

This landing also had a hiking option which we started with glee, quickly working up a sweat as we got to the top, taking in the bay and all the magnificent mountains surrounding it. Once we got back down to the sea the views were equally as hypnotizing if not a bit macabre. Several petrels were feeding on baby penguins, and our guide Yuki made sure to give us an uncomfortably close view from our zodiacs of another group of birds eating another poor penguin in the water. This is not something that most folks would want to see, but again a reminder of how harsh the natural world can be. 

On a more positive note, this was also the day where we would be able to take part in the polar plunge, and conditions remained perfect as ever after we got back on the ship after our 3.5 hour morning excursion! My partner Nico was a bit unsure if she would be keen on jumping into the frigid waters, but my excitement won her over and before we knew it we were the first two travelers off the ship and into the sea!

As soon as I submerged in the water my first thought was “Hey! This isn’t too bad”, followed by instant numbness throughout my arms and legs. Video says I was in the water all of 10 seconds (if that), but it felt like I was swimming in slow motion as I made my way back to the zodiac, shivered back into my robe, and took the shot of vodka that the cheering team offered me - another Antarctica tradition! Whether it be the exhilaration of the jump or the liquid courage, I was positively buzzing through lunch and the rest of the day. 

Weather again deteriorated in the afternoon, but we were rewarded with a “bonus” last excursion at Kayak Bay, just as the sun was setting one last time over the frozen continent. It was great that we got to have one last hurrah before setting sail for Argentina, but even without this, it was an amazing day that any Antarctic traveler would feel blessed to have.