December 8, 2025

Antarctica

Morning Morning. We are expected to arrive at Danco Island, or Oslo Dedo, this morning about 07:45. Isla Dedo lies at 64°42′S 62°36′W in the Errera Channel between the west coast of Graham and Rongé Island. It was discovered by Adrien de Gerlache between 1897 and 1899. He named the feature in honor of Léo Errera, a professor at the University of Brussels and a member of the Belgica Commission.

Why is this important? Well, Adrien de Gerlache led the Belgica Antarctic Expedition (1897-1899). In 1895 the International Geographical Congress in London declared Antarctic exploration a top priority. This congress inspired de Gerlache’s desire to be the first scientific expedition to spend the winter in Antarctica. De Gerlache was a young Belgian naval officer who planned a small and purely scientific expedition, a very bold move for the small nation of Belgium.

The Belgica expedition as it was called, became famous for being the first to overwinter in the Antarctic. They were ambitious in their called which led them to be trapped in the ice. Being trapped in the led to extensive scientific study which led to Belgian’s prominent role in polar exploration.

Danco Island is one of the few places tourists are allowed to visit in Antarctica. It is known for its thriving Gentoo penguin colonies. The Gentoo penguins have created “penguin highways” on the sloped of the island. There are about 1,600 breeding pairs of Gentoo penguins here. Additionally, there are frequent sightings of Crabeater, Weddell and Fur Seals, plus Antarctic terns, skuas and shags. There is a number of wide beaches which lead to an ice-covered hill which offers panoramic views of the Errera Channel, icebergs, and the surrounding mountains. One of the expeditions today is to climb that mountain. We have an 08:00 departure.

We did manage to get started about 08:45, we were the fourth zodiac group to leave the leave the ship. However, this morning we are just doing a “ride around” the channel and Danco Island. There is a large ice flow here and it interesting to be riding around in it. Looking at the pictures taken on previous days, it has been decided that there is no way a photo can do this place justice. You simply don’t get the perspective you get being here.

We had lunch in the restaurant, the Grill was having a “Taste of India”. After lunch there was the seemingly obligatory nap. The ship got underway and we arrived at Cuverville Island just after it had gone 13:30. We have a little while before our next zodiac run. This time we are actually going to get off and walk around. Apparently there are several rookeries within walking distance of the landing site.

The were indeed several rookeries near the landing site and the penguins were walking all over the place. The smell is very strong. They penguins are fun to watch. We watched on penguin work on building a nest out of small pebbles. He or she was very particular about which pebble to take, often putting three or four in his beak before choosing the one he wanted.

Back on board before it has gone 18:00, but not by much. We had a light dinner in the Grill, and headed off to bed.

Buonanotte e ciao,

Enrico e Maria