Paddle Boarding, Lemaire Channel, Peterman Island and the Polar Plunge

We began the day navigating the Lemaire Channel, which has canyon-like walls and at one point is only 4/10 of a mile wide. Hot cocoa was provided on deck while people took pictures of this beautiful channel.  In lieu of a zodiac cruise, Myra paddle boarded in Antarctic waters with beautiful scenery, ice bergs, brash ice and up to 60 penguins following her and going under the board.  Gerry took the land and zodiac excursion to Peterman Island.  Myra paddled for two hours and was able to take a shorter land excursion of Peterman Island.

Peterman Island is home to Adelie penguins, the third type of penguin we encountered.  Adelie penguins have black beaks, blue eyes, black heads and flesh colored feet. They also hatch their eggs earlier than the Gentoo or Chin Strap so we were able to see chicks that were a month old.

In the afternoon we had a beautiful zodiac tour of Pleneau Bay.  In the summer months, icebergs break apart and float into the beautiful enclosed waters.  This bay is affectionately called the Iceberg Gallery or the Iceberg Graveyard.  Pleneau Bay was perfectly still and the icebergs reflected in the water like a mirror.  They were all different shapes and sizes and had numerous penguins and seals relaxing on the ice.  This was our favorite day!

After we returned to the ship, we took the polar plunge.  We put on our bathing suits, climbed down the outside stairs and plunged into 1 degree Celsius water.  It was invigorating, shocking and so cold that it almost knocked the wind out of you – but we did it along with 76 others.