20 March 2011

A Killer rises from the deep...DRAKE PASSAGE (10 March)



Our safety briefing on our rules of engagement with Zodiacs for when we would reach Antarctica had to be interrupted when some of the stern-looking Russian crew on the bridge spotted a large triangular fin or two protruding from the water. After a scramble for binoculars, camera etc. we were out on the bow and standing in awe as a pod of lazy Orcas lingered just off the bow. While this was going on White-chinned Petrels picked at the surface of the waters near one of the Killer Whale fins, and a monstrous Wandering Albatross swept just inches from the whale-loving crowd buzzing around the bow. I also managed to pick up a Light-mantled Sooty Albatross trying to slip by in the background! What an awesome safety briefing, not dull at all!

Pretty soon we passed through the subantarctic convergence, that was marked by an atmospheric mist hanging over the area where warmer northern waters met the chilly southern swell that comes from Antarctica and our thoughts turned to icebergs. When would we see our first?...

3 comments:

Lee Dingain said...

Yeah, I was wondering when you would be mentioning Light-mantled Sooty!! Dreading seeing your photos of that one!

Sam Woods said...

No photos to come of that one Lee, relax.

Lee Dingain said...

Glad to hear it Woods! Photos 'aren't bad' so far!!