After the shower, it was already time for breakfast. We went to breakfast with little sleep. I had to tell them exactly what it was like at the campsite and they had lots of questions. The information session for today was scheduled for after breakfast. Only one landing in Orne Harbour was planned for today. The remaining kayak tours, photo cruising and the science boat were still on the agenda. It was a very steep climb in Orne Harbour. It was explained that there would be a zigzag route to the summit, prepared by the expedition team, and that there would be a seating area halfway up. Everyone should walk at their own pace and those who are faster can also overtake, but all with consideration for the slower participants. Cruising was not planned today.
We also saw whales on the way to Orne Harbour. Unfortunately, I wasn’t quick enough on deck, so I only managed to take two photos.
My group was on at lunchtime. So the usual lunch was cancelled and we would eat something small later.
The weather was very changeable. Sometimes it snowed and then it didn’t. We were lucky. It was only a little windy for walking up. Once we reached the top, it snowed from time to time. The climb was worth it. There were lots of cute penguins to see. The photo on the top right shows the seating area. I only sat down for the photo. You can see the ascent in the other photos.
Once we reached the top, it had started to snow. I was therefore only able to photograph the ship in the snowfall (photo above right). The picture of me with penguins in the background was taken by our on-board photographer Luis (photo top left). On the bottom left is the always cheerful expedition leader Torstein. He was also always up for a laugh. Before we returned to the ship, we took a selfie (photo bottom left). From left to right: the on-board photographer Luis, me, Torstein and Claudia.
There really were a lot of penguins at the top. Here are some photos and two videos of the really cute penguins.
After landing, we went to the Fredheim restaurant. We had some snacks there. I had a steak with chips and a pancake with chocolate ice cream for dessert.
In the afternoon, we went to the swimming pool and the whirlpool. The water was pleasantly warm in both. I would advise wearing a hat in the whirlpool as I found it quite cold on my head.
There were lots of interesting presentations today, but I wanted to relax a bit before dinner.
Dinner tonight:
- Starters top left: Smoked salmon, lemon sour crème, melba toast, salmon roe, scallion, cress
- Soup top right: Spicy pumpkin soup, roasted seeds, yoghurt
- Main course bottom left: Veal Ribs Boneless, choron sauce, pommes Anna, roasted onions
- Dessert bottom right: Blackcurrent mousse & hazelnut crust
After dinner, we were given the usual information about the next day. The landing on Deception Island was on the programme.
After the show, there was an auction in the Explorer Lounge. My friends and I drank one of the many delicious cocktails and chatted with other travellers before the auction began. There were various things up for auction, including a flag, a cruising tour with the captain, an overnight stay for the rest of the trip in the best cabin on board, etc. I didn’t bid on anything.
After the auction, I went to sleep. I was still tired from the camping tour. Luckily I had already plugged my mobile phone in to charge, because I actually fell asleep while writing WhatsApp.