Icebergs and Icecubes all present and accounted for - at last
LOCATION: Drake Passage
What's happening?
What a difference a day makes. We actually saw the full complement of our group today , so good to see people up and walking about able to attend some of the events. Not saying that we saw them all day , but it does seem like everyone has marginally improved.
Conditions today are so different. The sea seems to be flat and we have definitely seen far more blue skies. In fact , I found myself a spot on level eight in the Panorama Lounge, pulled up a chair in the sunshine and was actually hot.
With the calmer seas, the Captain was able to put the foot down and make much further progress in our haul south. We did learn today, that the goal is to get south of the Circle as soon as possible, and once that is achieved, we will turn around and head slowly back, exploring points of interest along the way.
The Adventure
Ticked off attendance at a few activities
A. The Mandatory Briefing gave the details of organisation for getting onto the ice. Outlined the rules and regulations and reinforced both the importance of respecting the environment and the fickleness of the conditions. There are strict procedures around boot, clothing and gear access, storage and cleaning. The focus is on providing opportunities to sustainably support tourism. Thinking tomorrow is going to be little oompa loompa ish as we don all the gear and try to make our way to the zodiacs.
Upright for the briefing
The messages that have stuck: sit and slide, sailors' grip, layer up, no toilet, runny nose, wet. See what else comes up in the reality of the experience.
Must say, the Expedition team was definitely scrupulous in monitoring attendance. Everyone had to be accounted for - they were diligent in the followup. We had arrived early and I had gone back outside to let them know we were both here. Or so I thought. Because they hadn't sighted @Mac - we were called up in the cross checking. Impressive.
B. The Kayak briefing was definitely an eye opener - we all thought there was a chance we would be participating. Scratch that notion. It is necessary to slide out of the Zodiac and into the kayak using a full squat and once the session is complete, you need to be able to lift your own body weight to haul yourself back in to the Zodiac. At 5 minutes into the assessment @Mac and @Richard were still 'in.' By the time the activity was described as a 15 km paddle - with the ability to ride the tsunami like wave of a calving glacier and tackle the katabatic winds - we unanimously agree the sit and slide, swing your legs to the ocean landing and hiking was our limit.
C. The Biosecurity check was completed in Zodiac groups and was conveniently located on our floor. This involved taking any outer layer item of clothing that wasn't new or freshly washed to the crew for inspection and cleaning. Once done, you sign off on the declaration.
D. Today's enrichment session was "Why are penguins cute?" and it was informative and entertaining. There were loads of laughs because it was filled with "dad jokes" but the biggest news was the presenter confirmed @Lloyd's sighting. @Lloyd had shared that he had spotted about 6 penguins porpoising in a race with the ship. The presenter (i think his name is Kevin) confirmed a raft of chinstrap penguins had been playfully dashing alongside earlier in the day.
E. The. Daily Briefing and Recap session has the primary focus of preparing everyone for the next day. Heads up for tomorrow was that we will stop at the Fish Islands (yep, a collection with names like Salmon, Perch, Trout, Mackerel) and this will be the initial round in the Zodiacs. The plan is for everyone to take a first 80 minute spin. The weather will be so good that the Kayaking Lottery will also start.
F. Captain's Cocktail Party was the chance to be introduced to the executive team on the ship including Captain Sasha. Accompanied by short introductions, champagne, canapes and toasts it was a low key affair.
First night we had our table of six for dinner. We failed at the crossword puzzle, despite resorting to Dr Google for help, but made up for it with our determined efforts in eating and drinking. Rounded out the evening as late disruptors at the Name That Tune Trivia session and finally ventured into the last unexplored nooks and crannies of Deck 9. At some stage @Richard had retrieved his Silversea Parka and we had to venture out in the fog, wind and icy chill for him to try it out.
Braving the cold
Back in the cabin, it was down to the serious business of laying out the layers ready for the Adventure of tomorrow. Alarms have been set - and it was time to dream of Zodiacs, Icebergs and cranky moulting penguins.
Survival Barometer
Steps 3846 but lots of stairs
Weather 5 degrees and lots of sunshine - dense late evening fog
Health everyone holding onto their stomachs. Three still light headed and one with ears that have not recovered from the flights - we are doing okay
Can you believe this? Sorry couldn't resist one HORROR story (I had to save this one till it was calmer 🤢😱)
🌪️ A Terrifying Drake Passage Fact from Co-Pilot
The Drake Passage is one of the only places on Earth where rogue waves — the kind that appear out of nowhere and can be as tall as a 10‑story building — are scientifically confirmed to form regularly.
Why that’s actually terrifying
- Rogue waves aren’t just “big waves.” They’re freak, vertical walls of water that can rise more than 20–30 meters with no warning.
- They form because the Drake is the perfect storm:
- Three oceans colliding
- The strongest current on Earth
- Winds that can circle the planet unobstructed
- Deep water suddenly meeting shallower continental shelves
- Modern ships are built to handle them, but historically, sailors called them “white‑eyed waves” because they seemed alive and malicious.
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