Day 4: Antarctica!

We are happy to say good riddance to the Drake Passage, at least for another week when we make the return crossing. We weren’t feeling very hungry yet, so we skipped breakfast and lunch, a shame because the food on board is amazing. Once clear of the rough seas, the crew quickly worked to scrub the salt-water residue off windows, guardrails and outdoor decks.

In addition to passing 3 COVID PCR tests before embarking, we also wear contact tracing devices (see Keith's around his neck) and masks in the common areas. Viking is serious about keeping the ship a COVID-free environment.

This morning we were honored to meet Liv Arnesen, a Norwegian educator, cross-country skier and adventurer. Liv presented the story of her 1994 trek, when she made international headlines becoming the first woman in the world to ski solo and unsupported to the South pole – a 50-day expedition of 745 miles. Liv is the godmother of our Viking Octantis ship. Ann Bancroft is godmother to the sister ship Polaris. In 2001, Liv and Ann became the first women in history to sail and ski across Antarctica’s landmass — completing a 94-day, 1,717-mile trek.

 

And then things started happening quickly. First, the Antarctic peninsula became visible on the horizon; then our first Antarctic glacier sighting.  

Shortly after that, the captain pointed out the first of numerous humpback whale sightings and we got our first glimpse of penguins, hanging out on an iceberg. 

Penguins!

Our expedition will travel along the Antarctic peninsula, the area most commonly visited by all but serious scientific expeditions. A few facts about Antarctica: it is the coldest, driest and windiest continent and has the highest average elevation. There are no time zones in Antarctica; most follow the time zone of the port of departure. Antarctica is the size of U.S. & Mexico combined, 97% covered by ice, which averages about one mile thick and as much as three miles thick in some locations. Seventy percent of the world’s freshwater reserves are frozen here. About 5,000 people reside at research stations in the summer and 1,000 in the winter. It is governed by about thirty countries that are partners to the 1959 Antarctic Treaty System.

Many of our ship’s toys came out in the late afternoon and evening for test runs – zodiac transports, submersibles and Special Operations sightseeing boats.

We finished the day with a nice dinner. I had a medium-rare tenderloin and fresh vegetables, followed by sushi and sashimi. Keith went with a modest salad course, followed by sushi. Delicious.

We received our itinerary for tomorrow. Weather permitting, we will set foot on Antarctica, visit historic research stations and penguin colonies.

#Antarctica

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