Page 21 - Seniorstoday January 2023 Issue
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very short time, however, the Captain the Bransfield Strait, we were lucky to
called the zodiacs back to the ship as the encounter several Fin Whales, the second
weather Gods whipped up their wind largest animal on the planet – average size
dance. being 70 ft and weight 45 tons.
A fitting end to the day. The wind had
Day 18 picked up considerably as the Ortelius
Friday, 11 November 2022 turned North to journey towards Drake’s
Wind force – 7-8, Weather – Snow Passage.
DECEPTION ISLAND
Our final day in the South Shetlands saw us Day 19
sailing through a very narrow, spectacular Saturday, 12 November
passage called “Neptunes Bellows” into the Wind force 7, sea state – moderate
flooded caldera of the island. The volcano AT SEA – DRAKES PASSAGE
of the island is still active with geothermal Drake’s Passage is known to be the most
activity present inside the caldera. The sea dangerous and treacherous sea stretch in
water temperature around here can reach the world. It is said that if you are lucky,
70˚C. you will sail through “Drakes Lake”
(calm waters). If not, you will experience
“Drake’s Shake” which means, go through
a nightmare of stormy and violent
weather. We were lucky to sail through a
calm passage (already having survived 3
hurricanes). A few fortunate passengers
caught glimpses of Humpback Whales and
very distant whale blows.
Calm seas and a relaxed second last day
Chinstrap Penguins
saw the bar at peak attendance starting
early evening. The mood was “elation” and
the bar was swinging.
Day 20
Sunday, 13 November 2022
Wind force – 2, Sea state - Calm
AT SEA – DRAKES PASSAGE
The most notorious body of water in the
world was in a quiet, gentle mood. The sun
Deception Island shone down, and the temperature showed
Bleached whale bones and rusted oil 12˚C. We had crossed the Antarctic
tanks, among other artifacts lay on the Convergence and returned to a more
volcanic black sand beach. Large patches of temperate region.
Krill, fried by the high water temperatures As Cape Horn appeared on the horizon,
lay scattered amidst the Chinstraps, bird life increased, and we had a never-
Gentoos and Adelies. Moving out into ending escort of sea-birds. Magical!!
SENIORS TODAY | ISSUE #43 | JANUARY 2023 21
