Antarctica Day 7

Antarctic Sound and Brown Bluff

Waking up early was rewarded with a stunning display.

The Antarctic Sound was filled with icebergs, including huge tabular bergs which had migrated from the Weddell Sea.

This was the so-called Iceberg Alley.

After we skirted around the huge one at the top of this page, a huge chunk of it fell into the sea.

We then arrived at Brown Bluff, going ashore to be greeted by plenty of penguins.

While keeping a repsectful distance, I hoped a few may take an interest in my GoPro.

Plans to head into the Weddell Sea were scuppered by the captain.

The ice was worsening, with Zodiacs even being used to push one iceberg away from the ship (note the final shot of "Iceberg Alley" video above).

Instead we headed back down the sound and encountered more tabular bergs.

That evening, expedition leader John Frick shared a map showing predictions of big waves (perhaps 12 metres) in the Drake Passage.

The captain would leave early to avoid them, truncating the next day's activities. 

But a final landing was still planned.

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