“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans” – John Lennon.
The daily schedule of February 23. After breakfast the first lecture is about the British polar explorer Ernst Shackleton. Link
At 11.00 am the mandatory briefing about disembarkation took place. Some slides.
The first recommendation was to dress in layers and of course the waterproof clothes should be the last ones. Do not forget the spare socks and gloves, I had only one pair of gloves and was hoping that it will do.
All passengers were given a magnetic card on arrival and had to swipe it while disembarking or embarking.
The rubber boats accommodate about 10 to 12 passengers and it is advisable to keep all not water-proof things - like cameras - in a backpack or plastic bag.
Further on the subject of Biosecurity was discussed in more detail, how to avoid inadvertent damage to the unique nature of Antarctica.
While going ashore the rubber boots had to be washed in a special footbath and nothing edible was allowed to take with to the shore. Only plain water. And while returning again the footwear had to be washed and then one more bath had to be stepped into.
While walking on shore the penguins always have the priority right and if possible - the distance from them should be at least 5 meters.
It is necessary to visit the toilet before going ashore, and if it is urgent – the person will be taken back to the ship. And after crossing the 60 degrees latitude the vessels have to take all the dirty water and waste back to Ushuaia.
The first look at the Antarctic. Just ahead.
The weather permits landing and boats are lifted into the water.
A little bit of waiting before the first boat ride.
In the boat. And then - a half-hour journey along the coast before the first landing.
The first pictures of penguins.
Landing on the island of Aitcho.
Two types of penguins live here, first - red beak and donkey – voiced Gentoo penguins.
The chicks of this spring are almost of the same size as the adult penguins, but they are fluffy and their feathers are not yet totally water-resistant yet.
And they're still waiting for being fed.
An ordinary sight – a mother penguin - tired of feeding the offspring - is fleeing away from the big chicken.
There are some sea lions on the shore.
Chinstrap penguins
And now it happens that the 4GB memory card is full and for some reason I cannot find my spare 32GB card from my pocket. Later I find the card on the floor of the cabin.
The journey of February 23 on a misty map.
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