Our first landing was so surreal. We got into the zodiac and it hit us that we were about to step foot onto Antarctica. It was raining and sleeting lightly and the waves were quite choppy . The ride took about 15 minutes and then we hopped out into mid calf height water on shore. Luckily the rubber boots the ship loan us are almost knee high.
We were then free to wander around inside some red flags that had been set up. There was a huge ugly elephant seal sleeping on the beach and then penguins every way we looked. It was crazy and we couldn’t stop taking photos and videos. Our cameras got very wet – but I thought I’m not going to put it away – as it rained the entire time we were there.
At first we worried it was too cold to stay for the hour, but then we got used to it and just walked around to explore. The penguins didn’t really care we were there – although if one was heading our way – it would sometimes stop and get confused with what object was in the way – and then we’d move and it would carry on.
We headed back on the zodiac and the spray from the waves was soaking us all. Luckily the jackets we had on were waterproof. But we still got wet boots, socks and underwear.
It was quite an experience – and a real glimpse of the harshness of the continent. The ship gets divided into groups to help coordinate who goes to shore (as there is a maximum of 100 allowed at one time). So we were 2nd to last for that landing. We are in the snow petrel group.
What a rush of adrenaline and we realise that this is just the beginning of an amazing once in a lifetime adventure!