December 9, 2025

Antarctica

Morning Morning. Sunrise 02:31, Sunny 23:31. Three hours of semi-darkness.

We arrived at Charlotte Bay this morning just before it has gone 07:00. This morning we have the pleasure of being in the first grouping of Zodiacs off the ship beginning at 07:30, there are four groups ahead of us, so it really means we’ll probably leave the ship closer to 08:30 than 07:30.

Today’s zodiac ride is around Charlotte Bay. It is 0° C (32° F). The weather for today is between -1° C and 1° C. No translation is necessary. Riding sounds like a boring thing to do, and generally it is, however the views of the landscape are beautiful. Watching a group of penguins swimming in the water in their nature environment is exciting. We also saw a pod of three or four humpback whales diving for food. The blue colors of the icebergs are unbelievable. There is just no way to capture the feeling on film (or digitally).

We got back on board and changed out of our cold weather clothes. The most diffcult part of all of this is the thirty minutes it takes to get dressed in thermals, etc. before going out and repeating the process in reverse when you get back. It takes about the same amount to time to change as the ride.

Today we pulled the trigger and made the deposits on the Galápagos in January 2027. The Wrights are planning on coming along as well. We are now back in the cabin waiting for the call for the polar plunge. It is cold already, diving into the Arctic Sea during a snowstorm will be interesting.

They just called the first two groups for the polar plunge. They are going it in reverse order, so it is groups 7 & 8. I have changed into my bathing suit and now I am ready to jump. Will I be in twenty minutes? This is just one of those things that one has to do. Come all this way and not do it? Unthinkable. If I survive, I’ll complete this. If not, it has been a wonderful life.

I survived! Not that there was really any doubt. Honestly the whole thing lasted 74 seconds. The broken toe will take a lot longer to heal, and be a whole lot more painful. But it was worth it and I now have a T-Shirt, video and certificate to prove it.

There was a hot shower right after getting back to the cabin. Dressed in warm clothes and relaxing. We then went to the Grill for lunch. Mary had a beef stir-fry, and I went with the chicken curry with rice. Both ok. We have decided that the food on the Regent World Cruise was better but also decided that comparing a sea cruise with an expedition cruise is not fair. The service and staff as been as attentive as Regent, that is for sure.

It has just gone 13:45 and they are calling the groups by number. We will be in the first group called. They were unable to land at the primary site due to icebergs in the way. The secondary site was too rough, but they have found a third site, not much of one and no hiking involved, for us to touch down. Now for the absolute purist in our group, this last site in on the main continent of Antarctica. Up until now we have been on the Antarctic Peninsula, which is technically part of Antarctica the continent. But this last trip cements the deal.

My right leg hurts like a sone-of-a-bitch. In part because of my toe, but apparently I also banged up my knee. Getting into and out of the zodiac was a bit of a challenge but one just has to suck these things up and get over it. We landed on a rocky shore, got out, headed to where they were taking photographs, got our photo taken with a flag that shows all seven continents. Yes, I did point out to the that Australia is only part of a bigger continent known as Oceania and they need to update their flag.

Back in the cabin it was organizing and packing. I put all of my “winter” clothing in the large suitcase, along with the Silver Seas backpack and the lining of the Silver Seas jacket. Due to weight constructions, I will wear the outer layer of the Silver Seas jacket back to KC.

There is no recap and briefing tonight. Tonight & tomorrow, we are back crossing the Drake Passage on our return to Puerto Williams. Tonight, before heading out for Puerto Williams there is an Antarctic Farewell Toast. Dinner tonight will be at The Restaurant.

I have one pen to return to the medical department for disposal, but they don’t open until 17:00 and it has just gone 16:00, so I went to the Connoisseur’s Corner for a cigar. Finished watching Independence Day. Just before 17:00 I went to the Medical Center to dispose of the pen. They say my favoring my right foot and asked why. I told them I broke my toe. They made a big deal out of it. Took a photograph, wrote up a report about the accident and even took X-rays. Their treatment recommendation and mine were exactly the same. Take something for the pain, if necessary, keep the foot elevated, and ice it to keep the swelling down. I was going to do that already.

I left the Medical Center and walked to the Restaurant and joined Mary, Richard and Susan for dinner. As an appetizer Mary, Susan and I had the Apple, Walnut and Fig Salad. Basically, a Waldorf Salad with a lighter dressing. Richard had pan seared scallops with strawberry salsa. It sounded really strange but apparently was very good.

Display at the entrance to the restaurant

Richard’s Scallops

Mary & Susan’s Salmon

My Beef Stroganoff

The main course for Richard & Mary was beetroot glazed salmon. Looked very red. Spinach & Ricotta stuff ravioli with pine nuts was Susan’s choice. I chose beef stroganoff with buttered tagliatelle. It was very good but a little dry from sitting under the lights too long. We also enjoyed a bottle of 2015 Clos Saint-Michelle Châteauneuf-du-Pape which was excellent and a good accompaniment to the various dishes for dinner.

After dinner I headed out to the cigar lounge and enjoyed a cigar. Richard, Susan and Mary headed up to the Observation deck (9) for a drink. I finished my cigar and return to the cabin and went to bed. I don’t recall Mary coming in but it was probably late.

Buonanotte e ciao,

Enrico e Maria