Travel blog for GOGO Verdu

Hope Bay, Argentinian Esperanza Station

1/3/2015

-Nope! Not going to do it!
-cuddling up to a Giant Tabular iceberg
-a Chilly neighborhood in the suburbs of antarctica

With an expedition time of 7:15am and howling winds and sea spray blowing around outside we made a joint decision to cancel our participation in the 1 hour zodiac tour to view the Adelie Penguins today. We were both feeling on the verge of a head cold, so we thought it might be best to avoid the wind, wet and cold air outside as much as possible.
Instead we enjoyed the amazing views from our warm cabin and a little later in the morning hot, healing tea in the observation deck. We also managed to get some photos of the stunning landscape and changing skies as the sun finally emerged.
Captain Larsen had nestled the Quest next to an extremely large tabular iceberg on the port side that kept moving closer and closer to us. This required constant maneuvering of the ship in order to avoid the giant piece of floating ice. Also, later in the morning another large tabular iceberg moved in on the starboard side and our little ship was flanked by ice. Trust me, the photo above does not even begin to show you the scale! It was at least 100 ft. high if not higher.
Although the tours did not include a stop at Esperanza Station we learned in last night's expedition briefing that it's one of only two civilian settlements on Antarctica. Built in 1952, the base houses 55 inhabitants in winter including 10 families and 2 school teachers. Esperanza is specifically famous because Emilio Marcos Palma was the first person to be born in Antarctica in 1978.
Esperanza is also home to tens of thousands of Adelie Penguins. We regret not seeing the Adelies en masse, but after speaking with those who did go in the morning as we were scheduled were unable to enjoy the experience because they were cold and uncomfortable. Those who went in the afternoon after the sun had come out and the winds had died down thoroughly enjoyed it.
It's hard to know what is the best course of action in those situations. Personally, I think you have to follow your gut! As a little Antarctic expedition side note: There are no restroom facilities at any of the stops. It's always good to make an extra pit stop before boarding the Zodiacs! (Just thought I'd add a bit of helpful information here.)