Paradise Harbor, in The Afternoon
The afternoon couldn't have been any better. A beautiful, warm, "brochure" day. The Harbor was named "Paradise" because it provided whalers such a protected harbor. There is a Chilean Navy Base located on Waterboat Point and an Argentine (unstaffed) base.
This bay is known for its beautiful snow-capped mountains and ice. This was our first actual landing on Antarctic Continent. Our 7th Continent! And, what a day... without any wind. It wasn't until two other passengers in the zodiac mentioned this was their 7th continent: Europe, Asia, North America, South America, Africa, Australia and now Antarctica -- that it suddenly dawned on us that this was our 7th Continent.
The Nordnorge was waiting outside Paradise Harbor for their chance to land. Under International Association of Antarctica Tour Operator rules (IAATO) only one ship can be in a harbor at a time. And only 100 people at one time can be on land.
There was an unhill hike for the views...
...and a chance to walk around some of the penguins (trying to avoid the occasional one just lying in the snow - easy to step on). This wasn't a very big penguin colony. Most were down by the water. It was too dangerous to get closer in case one of the huge snow overhangs collapsed with too much weight on them. ...View image...
A zodiac cruise of the magnificent Petzval Glacier ...View image...and back to ship for a barbeque dinner on the back deck.
...View image... Talk about an almost beyond description, unique experience, a barbeque in Paradise Harbor, Antarctica? Meats, chicken, vegetables, cookies...mulled wine...the staff went all out and the weather gods cooperated. ...View image...
A big day planned for tomorrow (perhaps...)...heading past Cape Raynard and through the Lemaire Channel. Susan strongly suggested that everyone get up around 5:30 pm, go on deck and enjoy the amazing vista as the Captain navigates through this 7-mile long channel clogged with ice floes and bergs...
But it couldn't have gotten much better than today. Our performing Leopard Seal, magnificent cruise through Glaciers and Ice Bergs and an Antarctic Barbeque. What a day!
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