First Landings - Hut Island and Cierva Cove |
Hut Island (Mikkelsen Harbour) |
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![]() A bleak view across to the hut on Hut Island |
![]() Like an alien in an alien landscape |
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![]() The gentoo colony of Hut Island |
![]() Gentoos hunkering down in bad weather |
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Cierva Cove (Antarctic Peninsula)
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![]() The contrast between the menacing sky and sunlit icebergs was incredible |
![]() The ridgeline of Cierva Cove - continental Antarctica at last! |
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![]() A strange mist envelopes the mountains of the Peninsula |
![]() The red huts of "Primavera" Station add the sole splash of colour |
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![]() Primavera en Antarctica |
![]() Finally, the seventh and last continent! |
![]() Moss and grass - Antarctic climax vegetation |
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![]() Penguin slides in the guano-tinted snow |
![]() View across the rocks, moss and penguins to the icebergs of Cierva Cove |
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The sun had disappeared, but visibility was still good and, after visiting the base, we climbed back into the zodiacs and, escorted by leaping squadrons of gentoos, slowly wended our way amongst the diversity of icebergs; their surfaces sun-dimpled and etched by waves, some sculpted into bizaare shapes, others forming pale blue grottos, others massive chiseled walls of opaque white ice covered with a thick layered blanket of snow, and yet others gleaming translucent blocks filled with bits of rock and grit. It was magical!
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![]() The skiers return from their expedition |
![]() The "Ocean Nova" |
![]() One last sculpture in electric blue |
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