Ready to take the Polar plunge
LOCATION: Antarctic Peninsular -- south of the Polar Circle
What's happening?
@Captain Sasha and the team continue to have challenges. The roughness of the seas last night actually threw me out of bed at around 2.30 am and I had to hit the ProCalm. @Mac slept through it which was a positive. But it did mean we were considerably slowed in our journey south. When the ship did eventually arrive at the Detaille Island anchorage there was another vessel in the vicinity.
This vessel and its "campers" had been forced into staying overnight in the area because of the conditions. It meant that we had to "wait" until it left the area before we could finalise our approach and start the disembarkation to the Zodiacs.
The swells were persistent but @Merika's scouting team determined that we could take a ride but the wet landing planned for our first walk ashore had to be cancelled. The Zodiacs could not get close enough to shore and remain stable for a landing.
The early morning scheduledd 8 am call for our group was pushed back to closer to 10 am.
The Adventure
Ticked off attendance at a few activities:
A. We had the pleasure of joining @Rosie as our driver today and learnt some of the amazing stories of Hut W. Its life as a research station only spanned three years as it was perched on a rocky volcanic outcrop that proved difficult to supply. The hut had been abandoned in a matter of hours as the British were unable to reach it with the next season's load of coal, food, medical and scientific equipment. Had we been ashore to visit the hut, we would have gained a sense of how quickly the residents had left. There was a story of one resident who escaped the departure- a dog named @Steve. His story of escape, survival and then subsequent service was the stuff of "legends."
Yes, it was very up and down - but not wild. The skies were overcast. There was a slight peppering of snow. The conditions again where chilly - but not unbearable. We cruised the island, taking in the hut and got as close as we could to the island's rocky shore. Could gauge the swell by the depth of the "bounce" of the icebergs - so dramatic to see these monsters rising and falling in the water. Were entertained by Adelie penguins leaping from the rocky shore into the ocean (@Deb captured on video) and laughed at the "fake fighting" of the male Weddell seals in the bachelor pad.
We were lucky that @Rosie brought us up to the ship and we could board straight away. The group before us had been queued and were sitting beside the ship for about 30 minutes in the heaving sea and the cold. We did have to make way for some returnees who were overcome with sea sickness during this chilly wait.
B. And then there was THE PLUNGE. We actually had been falling victim to some fake news, which had suggested that it was cancelled and pulled ourselves up for a hearty lunch. Only to discover, it hadn't been cancelled, just relocated. @Captain Sasha took us a little further south into a protected area in the fjiord and almost right on cue at 2 pm the plungers were called.
Donned togs, robes and slippers and joined in the gaggle of 98 jumpers. The excitement of the group meant the wait wasn't quite as painful as that experienced in the dentist's waiting room. You were distracted by the talk and laughter of all those around you.
We were rugged up inside - warm and entertained. Music and an alcohol Dutch-courage station was all part of our pre jump comfort. We didn't realise that our photographers and cheer squad, poor @Loraine and @Deb were outside on Deck 8 in the snow, absolutely freezing, but committed to holding their spot to capture the action!
Lloyd and Richard led the way ...
Our cheer squad and photographers captured from above ... including the dusting of snow
The air temp was minus 1. The water temp 0. The sea a little tricky. No wind because the pontoon was sheltered by the ship. The organisation was superb. No time to think. When it was your turn. The harness was on. The instruction was "Put one foot on the boat rail, and jump on three: one two three."
There were many styles. But it was plain old uniformity and simplicity in our group. Jump feet first, pop up, swim, climb, recover!
@Lloyd said he was so hot! His skin was burning and he wasn't cold at all. @Richard, @Mac and I all reported the same thing - a prickling tingle of cold over the body- not freezing - but very intense stinging pain in the feet.
The current was strong and pushed you backwards from the ladder and just when you thought you had it the rise of the sea snatched it from your grasp. @Lloyd was like a pole vaulter in the agility of his ladder ascent - I seemed to be stuck in slow motion and struggled which meant poor @Mac had those extra few seconds in the water!
My overwhelming memory will be how clear the water was. When I reached for the water surface and looked up - the water was so clear and vibrant it was like looking into a flourescent light lit aquarium. So beautiful.
The reward at the end was the cheers of your fellow plungers and a very welcome heart starter drink! A dash to the hot showers was the final stage and then some time to thaw out.
The best story from @Loraine and @Deb was of a couple where one was left standing. The husband and wife were right there on the pontoon - foot on the railing. The husband jumped. The woman turned around and said "Nope, not me."
When the question was asked "If they offered another chance tomorrow, would you take it?" - only @Lloyd said he'd "go again." For the rest of us ... a definite "one and done."
Mind you, we are still laughing because he has said that his aches and pains have, for the time being, miraculously disappeared and he could "throw my leg up to put my socks on!" With that level of rejuvenation perhaps anything is possible.
The #Fab5 plungers have sent through their historic, stoic efforts ... think we had it a little easier with the jump .. they had to wade out into the water and then submerge and float and then wade back ... much more endurance.
C. The debriefing session included lots of recaps about the plunge with some serious commentary accompanied by hilarious pictures.
And the plan for tomorrow looks full of potential "firsts" if the weather permits as we now head further north.
It is sort of amazing that the first announcement comes through at 6.30 am and you have spent the entire day in action mode and on alert late into the evening. The day was such a buzz today, there wasn't a single moment available for a Nanna nap! We will all sleep well tonight on a full tummy from the Italian Restaurant.
Survival Barometer
Steps 5438 but we should add the swim stats in the plunge 😂
Weather minus 1 but positively hot at zero in the water
Health think the "plungers" added years to their life!
Can you believe this?
Interesting facts about polar plungers from Co Pilot
Polar plunges involve diving into near-freezing water, a tradition dating back to 1903 that often supports charity, such as the Special Olympics. It creates an intense, 0°C (32°F) shock to the system, causing an immediate adrenaline rush, endorphin release, and a feeling of euphoria. L
Fascinating Facts About Polar Plungers
• Safety Measures: In Antarctica, swimmers are often harnessed to the ship for safety, ensuring they don't drift away in the freezing, deep water.
• The "Mammalian Dive Reflex": When you submerge your face, your body naturally slows the heart rate and redirects blood to core organs, a physiological reaction that helps humans endure the cold shock..
• Cold Shock Physiology: Upon entering water under 50-60°F, the body experiences a "cold shock" response, causing uncontrollable, rapid breathing.
• It’s Not Just for Fun: Many, particularly in Nordic countries, believe regular ice bathing boosts the immune system, reduces inflammation, and improves mental health..
• Keep it Quick: Serious effects of hypothermia can begin after just 3 minutes in freezing water.
• Get Dry Immediately: The coldest part is often after exiting, when wind hits wet skin, so have a towel and robe ready instantly.
For Jesse - ready to explore the icebergs
No comments:
Post a Comment