We sailed out of Trinity Island and overnight headed to Anvor Bay.  This is the mainland of Antarctica.  We arrived early to Neko Harbor and cruised ashore in our zodiacs.  The glaciers were carved and the harbor was calm and glassy.  Last time they tried to get into the harbor, they had to turn around as there was too much ice.  

The glaciers are heavily creviced and we had to stay on the trail blazed out for us.  Any deviation could cause a a snow slide.  The trail was snowy and soft.  We hiked  117 meters up and the when we arrived  the view was out of a picture book.  It was calm, stunning and snowy.  The group that we have been hanging with were all up at the top with us and we were able to take a couple of pics of our fun group.  

We stayed up at the top for as long as we could and then started the hike down.  You would think down would be easy but in the snow and ice it was a little challenging.  We dug our poles and heels in and made it all the way down without incident.  As we came down we heard some noises which were signs that the glacier may be getting ready to calve.  Calving is when part of the glacier breaks off from the edge and falls into the Ocean.  It makes quite a noise that is very distinctive.  Although we heard the noise, we did not see the calving but hope to catch one before we leave. 

As we got to the beach, there were rumblings of an engagement that occurred at the top of the glacier.  Sadly we missed it but saw pictures.  Now that is a guy with a great imagination for an engagement.  How many people can say they got engaged at the top of a glacier in Antarctica proper.   The groom to be was able to get the ships photographer up there too and he took some amazing photos.  

As we headed down, we crossed over several penguin highways.  It was fun to watch the penguins traverse and navigate.   We were really right up close and personal with those cute but smelly guys.

We cruised back to the ship and sat in the panoramic lounge taking in the sights.  They were stunning.  I sat the afternoon hike out and took a much needed nap.  I had to mentally prepare myself for what was to come.    

At 4p.m.  We started getting  ready for the POLAR PLUNGE.  I was sure I was going to chicken out because I was quite nervous.   We had to fill out a 4 page release in order to do it.   We went down early and there were shots of Baileys and Jaeger waiting for us.  We came down in our robes, went outside in our bathing suits and the nerves got worse lol.  Luckily we had “friends” cheering us on from the sixth floor, yelling “go Detroit”.   

We let one other pair go first just to watch the process and then it was our turn.  We were harnessed and then stepped out to the second step.  The crew was video taping us from a zodiac boat.  They counted us down and in we jumped.  It was as cold as I thought it would be.  We were only in for about 10 seconds and then climbed out to a cheering crowd.  Once up and out of the water, we walked in and were handed warm towels, a shot and then retrieved our cameras and robes/slippers and the next group went.   We dried off and then went to watch others do this.  

Of all of the things that I have done in my life, this for sure moved near the top of the list.    After we got ready for the evening, we met in the bar for drinks and we all were so proud of ourselves.  Went to the nightly briefing.  We learned that typically 40% of the passengers participate in the Plunge but our ship had just over 50%.  We are a small , group of passengers, only 179 so to have so many do this was amazing.

We had dinner and here I am.  Tomorrow is our last day of stops.  We have a cool one in the morning, where we will split off in to two groups.  The first group will do a land hike and the second a zodiac cruise and then we will switch.    More tomorrow

Cici from Sea signing off….