13 March, 2001

-67 15 Latitude

65 59 S Longitude

Transit

Our transit over to the next site afforded us time to just enjoy the views. There is nothing like freezing cold air hitting your face as you walk outside to wake you up from the drowsy murmur of the ship. I climbed the stairs and fought my way against the wind to the ship's bow where its rim provided protection. I stayed as long as my fingers would allow. I tried to ignore the sharp pain of the cold, numbing my fingers. Keeping them warm was a problem as each time I wanted to take a picture I had to take off my gloves. Even ten seconds was enough to steal away the warmth. I did finally figure out that bringing my water bottle filled with hot water helped restore some of the warmth and allowed my ventures to the ship's bow to last a little longer. It was well worth it. In every direction there were incredible views changing by the hour. We left the open sea and headed into some pack ice. Upon entering we were greeted with pancake ice rolling with the waves as far as you could see. Further on we hit thicker more layered ice, which scraped the ship as we nuzzled through. Always, there were icebergs from grand monuments to smaller "bergy bits" sculpted by the wind and waves in wonderful patterns. I was on the lookout for penguins as I knew they liked to hang out on the ice, finishing their moult or feeding. This was their final preparation for the coming winter now only weeks away. I was not disappointed.