From the Jungle to the Deep Freeze - Antarctica

12/19/2022  The Drake Passage Redux          Drake Lake or Drake Shake?   Our Illustrious Expedition Crew Much to our dismay, we had to adjust the program for our return due to the rough seas, courtesy of the Drake Passage storm.   However, once Claudia explained the radar information and the decision to be on our way with the projections below, we were literally and metaphorically onboard and grateful immediately. (Above and below) The purple and dark blue areas represent  46-69 MPH wind speeds, respectively. We are just entering the Passage in the lower right corner. A massive, more dangerous storm is approaching  our starboard side. To avoid horrific seas, the expedition team and the captain adjusted the program,  told us to batten down the hatches,  and insert the long rods to prevent our drawers  from sliding inside our cabins. Then we had to hightail it, entering the Passage,  hoping for the best. Even then, we had two long days of rough seas.  Passengers exhausted their supplies

12/18/2022 Whalers Bay, Half Moon Island, Deception Island, Neptunes Window, and the Polar Plunge  Neptune's Window from the ship. Neptune's Window from our landing. (We are the dots showing in red.)   Old machinery was used to extract whale oil  from the dead animals.   Remnants of some serious fixer-uppers where whalers lived. Partial whale spine (above)  and the scapula shoulder blade (below). Our march to the polar plunge entrance. Brrr...Approximate water temperature 32F. Air/wind temperature is approximately -22 F. Vicki's facial expression says it all. I had "nipples erectus," or as my sister, Mary would say,  "The girls had their party hats on."