** ANTARCTICA - 2002 **

** Chapter THREE **

** Polish Research Base of ARCTTOWSKI (Admiralty Bay) **



This is the 20 November 2004 edition of this page.

8 December 2002 (continued)


After another rest, I joined our table, to find that we had been joined by a German guy (apparently a specialist in artists, inventions and the PATENT's Office!). I only had water in a glass (plus some pea soup!)!! That was enough for me.

Later, Martin & I went making 'Iceberg Observations' as the boat applied reverse engines for slowing down. Then the FOG cleared and MASSIVE CLEAN icebergs were all around us!

Up forward in Deck7's OBSERVATION LOUNGE was our best viewpoint, - some of the 'bergs even looked cubical and artificial!!! Then I went back to my own cabin for water and note-taking, before resting on the bed until the notice came over the P.A about our imminent arrival at KING GEORGE ISLAND.

We arrived there and anchored at this most northerly of the SOUTH SHETLAND string of islands - it was the POLISH RESEARCH CENTRE at ARCTOWSKI base and the time was 16.40hrs. Now here, we had to abide by the IAATO Protocols for the first time. This meant, first, getting scrupulously clean in the 'demudding room' on the ship and putting on the 'overboots' over our boots - and then acquiring a life-jacket.

This time, I'm part of 'Landing Group 2'. We then needed to tread on the 'disinfectant mat' before making our precarious way to the Landing Craft. (Mine was 'Heidi3' on this occasion - one of a group of 'Zodiacs')

My FIRST 'setting of feet' on ANTARCTIC ROCKS (and stones) was at 17.50hrs on the 'Polish' KING GEORGE ISLAND's Artowski Research Station. I stayed on this 'Isla Rey Jorge' until 18.50hrs, where it is part of the South Shetland Islands, known locally as 'Islas Shetland de Sur'.

I waited until Adelie Penguins approached me and had their looks before moving on! Lazy large (Weddel) SEALS slept and SNORTED through all this!

For this stop, our ship has anchored in ADMIRALTY BAY. On return to it, I had a FABULOUS MEAL (with fish steak after the soup course - followed by an excellent 'sweet'!). This took us a long time starting at 20.30hrs, with interesting conversations between Ron, Martin, myself and a well-educated Philippino waiter - concerning food (and drinks) and the best places to grow them!

We then headed for our overnight journey ready for the next stop in YANKIE BAY. I turned into my bed at about 22.30hrs.

9 December 2002


That was a well-slept night with en-suite visits and external viewing at 3.30am & 4.45am.. Both times, it was a light-seascape, with fog developping later. There was an odd ICEBERG at 4.50am - but my next awakening and rising was at 7.53am..

I got the day's programme from the 'clip' outside my door. We'll be approaching YANKEE HARBOUR at GREENWICH ISLAND. Breakfast was according to the sheet - and was already under-way. Although there were NO announcements, I thought that I'd better get dressed and go there.

There was a pre-landing briefing for the ZODIAC OPERATIONS - and it'll start with our Group No2 at about 9am.. The engines were slowing down and rotation of the ship started at 8.00am - while I was still dressing!

Several LARGE icebergs were not far from my cabin window - and the land was not far behind! I'd say it was, probably, no more than 200 yards. I had breakfast at a different table (Freda & Martin had already finished!) and got puffed-wheat for my cereal. I followed this with orange juice, yoghurts - and was then joined by Ron. After some chatting, and lending him my nail-clippers, we went for the 9am briefing.

As the WEATHER CONDITIONS were not good (and a wind speed of 35 knots) - we carried on non-stop towards the ex-volcano called DECEPTION ISLAND. Essentially, that was what the briefing was about! We pressed on from 63degS,60deg45minsW en-route and lunch-time came at 12.00 - 13.30hrs..

I managed to get some refreshments from the free 24hour service during the late morning on Deck4 - and also did some viewing from Deck7's OBSERVATION ROOM. There were reports of 75mph winds and more delays!! I then bought some more FANTAs at the bar on the way down - accumulating another charge of 12.00NKr to my Cruise Card!

(The travelogue will continue in the next chapter.)


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