25 February 2023, Antarctic Cruise Day 12, Loubet Coast to nr Renaud Island, via Crystal Sound and Turnabout Island –

After last night’s excitement, we slept like logs.  The plan for today was to keep pressing north to Yalour Island for what is possibly our last zodiac cruise. The Giant Petrels were scheduled very late – 6.40pm.  We settled in to do the Scavenger Hunt (identify 9 random objects around the ship from photos – almost orienteering!), watch a couple of lectures, post yesterday’s blog and photos, and generally fill in the day watching the world go by.  By late morning it became apparent that we were behind schedule, as there was more ice around than expected.  So when we reached the beautiful serene waters of Crystal Sound, Plan B was enacted and we pulled up to a stop. 

Our surroundings were almost monochrome, and almost eerily still.  I abandoned the scavenger hunt to take photos. After lunch, Ian made a final sprint for the finish, locating the final object as a tiny part of a sketch up on Deck 10.  I conceded defeat, having missed the “killer whales” signage on the ceiling of the Science Centre.

Our zodiac cruise was brought forward to mid afternoon, and we spent a happy hour visiting a seal who sat up and waved us goodbye.  Then we zipped over for a good look at the most spectacular iceberg yet, before wending our way back to the ship. 

I will miss my zodiac cruises – but not the rigmarole of dressing that is required! The temperature hovers between -1 and +1; there is no wind to speak of, and the only parts of me that feel cold are the exposed bits, ie cheeks and nose. It would be very different if the wind picks up.  On board the ship we wear trackies or light tights, and a light long sleeved top; it is very comfortable but the air is extremely dry.  You need moisturiser regularly, and you have to drink as much water as possible.

Tomorrow the wind is forecast to increase considerably so we may be in for quite a different Antarctic experience.