If you read my last post of my Antarctica trip, you will know that on Day 6, I arrived at the picturesque Lemaire Channel, also called the Kodak Gap for its stunning views. In the afternoon we did a landing nearby called Pleneau Island. The Antarctic Circle is 66°33′ south, and Pleneau Island is 65°10′ south. This is the furthest south we travelled on this cruise.
Day 6 Pleneau Island
Pleneau Island is a small island about 1.2km long and is often called the iceberg graveyard. A lot of loose icebergs drift around this area, then they get caught in the shallow seabeds, piling up with nowhere to go. Like everywhere else in Antarctica, each area have their unique features and beauty, and this was no different. It was a spectacular scene with so many different shapes and sizes of iceberg.
Once we got off the zodiac, we did a short walk to the other side of the island (not the whole 1.2km) to see the iceberg graveyard. On the way, there were quite a lot of penguins, they were so cute walking up and down, you'll see them in my video. By the time I got to the end of the walk, I was boiling! This day was the hottest we experienced in Antarctica, 4 degrees! I had to take off my parka, but keep it strapped on me, that's why in "I was here" photo, I looked very odd with a fat green bottom 😃
Day 6 recap
At the end of each day the expedition team does a recap of the day and shares the program for the next day. On day 6, I saw the next day program and my heart literally plunged. Polar plunge!!!! This is one of the highlights of an Antarctica cruise where you can jump into the antarctica sea, a once in a lifetime opportunity, another Antarctica bragging right. I have been dilly dalling with the idea even before the cruise started. Shall I or shan't I? Those who have done it say it's the most thrilling thing they've done. Part of me so wanted to do it. The problem is that I'm not an adventurous person and I can't swim!!! Now the polar plunge was scheduled for the next day I have to make up my mind.....
Day 7 Hydrurga Rocks
Today was a busy day. Some people opted to go kayaking. This is a very popular activity as you can get very close to the icebergs and wildlife, and you can go to places where the zodiacs can't go. I like this photo a lot, the red and green kayaks makes the snowy white Antarctica look even more amazing.
The rest of us had another landing at Hydrurga Rocks. Seals can be found lazing around here, but of course we can't go near them.
Seals move by shifting their heavy body along on the snow and create a path called a seal highway. We're not allowed to step on it, and I nearly did before realising what it was. If you go the wrong way, you'll be sure someone will stop you immediately because everyone is very protective of the environment. There are some snowy sheathbills next to the seal. They are the only birds native to Antarctica. If you look at their feet, you'll see they don't have web, so they can't fish for food. They are garbage eaters and will eat anything they can find, including stealing penguin eggs, dead chicks, and even penguin poo. Yuck!
Hydrurga Rocks has a big snowfield and gentle slope at some places. A beautiful place for a walk. The expedition team were great and dug steps on the slope to make it easier for us. They really are the ace team!
After the walk, we went for a zodiac cruise to see some icebergs. Before we jump on board, we need to have our boots cleaned and checked. The same when we board the zodiac from the ship. That's to prevent cross contamination and to protect the wildlife. The sea water is extremely clear and clean here, as you can see from the photo of the little rocks. That was taken above the water and you clearly see the rocks as if there is nothing in between. And in the other photo, you can see the iceberg beneath the water, and a seal lazing on top.
Here's another seal lazing on an iceberg, enjoying the sun. They ignore us when we cruise by, you'll see that in the video below.
And what do you think this iceberg looks like? Do you see what I see? Isn't nature amazing?
Polar plunge
After the morning landing, it was decision time at last!! In my heart, I wanted to do the polar plunge but not knowing how to swim always bothered me. In the end I just blocked it out from my mind. I know they tie a rope around your waist and pull you back up immediately so you're in the sea for only a few seconds. There's a doctor on stand by, and two people on a zodiac ready to jump in in case anything happens. What could go wrong? As I was waiting for my turn, I thought maybe I can wear a life jacket, just to be safe. I asked the staff, "Do I need a life jacket?" "Do you want one?" she asked. Before I could answer, it was my turn and I was ushered forward, " You'll be fine" she said. And there I was , standing at the top of the stairs in zero degrees ready to jump into the Antarctica sea!
My mind went blank at this point. I braced myself. One! Two! Three! JUMP!!!!
As soon as I hit the water, my mind woke up and I felt the water caressing me gently. Surprisingly, I didn't panic or feel cold, but I was thinking, why haven't they pulled me back up yet? It felt like a very long time, in reality it was only a few seconds. That proves how quick my brain was working already. Then I floated back up. I'm not sure if they pulled me or if I floated up by myself. I swam back to the stairs but drifted to the left side and had to scramble back to the center and eventually climbed out. It was then that I felt the cold and the impact of the whole experience. I have never felt so hyper before. Those 15 seconds were the most amazing experience in my whole life. I've done the polar plunge, and now I feel I can conquer anything!!!
