The landscape in Antarctica is simply beautiful. It’s quiet here and you don’t feel the hustle and bustle. We also saw a few penguins on the journey.
As camping was also on the programme today, I was allowed to do the cruising and landing earlier with another group.
I did the landing at Alimarate Brown Base first. The kayak tours took place at the same time. You can see two kayaks in the centre on the left. When we landed, the first thing we saw were lots of penguins.
There was a circular route marked out for us to walk along. Of course, my flag and the usual photo were a must.
As always, the surroundings and the ship were also photographed.
Then I went back to the boat and about 30 minutes later I went on the boat trip around Skontorp Cove.
We were also lucky enough to see swimming penguins.
I went to dinner early. As always, dinner was delicious.
Top left Starter: Duck breast with Brussels sprout puree, apple and popped buckwheat
Bottom left Main: Steamed salmon fillet, potato and leek puree and spinach
Right dessert: chocolate terrine, strawberry sorbet and thyme meringue
My two friends were still out with the official group. Afterwards, I actually wanted to get some sleep, but somehow I didn’t manage it. I don’t know whether it was the excitement or the anticipation that prevented me from sleeping. But anyway, I thought, maybe you can sleep in the tent then.
At around 9.30pm we all gathered on deck 3. However, we still had to wait a while before we set off. It was snowing when we set off. Everyone sat in the Zodiac with their black bag (photo bottom left). The bag contained the sleeping mat, the sleeping bag and the suit for the sleeping bag. Once we arrived, we had to walk up a small mountain with the bag. A stick is recommended (photo top left). Then it was time to pitch the tent (photo above right). It was my first time camping in my life and then in the Antarctic. I was amazed at how quickly we had set up the tent (photo centre right). Of course, a photo with the flag was a must. The two of us will spend the night together in the tent (photo bottom right).
One last look at the ship before it returned to its somewhat sheltered position for the night (photo top left). The brown tent was the guides’ tent (photo bottom left). We had some children on board. They were allowed to help set up the tent and then travelled back to the ship in the material zodiac. Once the tents were up, they were checked and tightened by a guide (photo centre right). This was necessary as it was very windy. We also had to inflate the air mattresses (photo bottom right). We also took a photo with the guide in front of our tent with the flag (photo top right). My flag was the hit of the trip and I had a few requests for a photo shoot.
Here is a short video on how to fix the anchors correctly in the snow. Stick them crosswise into the snow and cover them properly with snow.
After the tents were set up, we went to see the toilets (photo above and centre right) and learned the rules. There were 2 flags on the way to the toilets. If the toilet was occupied, the two flags were crossed. Our guide Peter (photo left) read us a goodnight story and then we went into the tent (photo bottom right).
I didn’t sleep much. I fell asleep every now and then and then woke up again. I don’t know why I didn’t sleep well. It wasn’t hard and I wasn’t cold either. It was only really warm in my sleeping bag with thermal underwear. It was storming and snowing outside, but when we woke up at 5am, it was only a bit windy. Then it was time to pack everything up and load it onto the sledge (picture above left and right). Once everything was packed we could enjoy the view (picture below).
After everything was stowed away, we waited on the slope (photo top left). It took a while for the boat to leave its overnight position. We enjoyed the beautiful scenery until the boats arrived (photo below). Then we happily returned on board with the black bag (photo above right).
Back on board, everyone had a hot chocolate. I took a hot shower and then went to breakfast with my friends.