Christmas Day - Linda

Merry Christmas everyone and thank you for all your comments.  I'm sorry the comment function isn't working properly, but we do love seeing all your messages from home.

💜💛💚💙💜💛💚💙

The big day has finally arrived and we are so excited.  I got dressed in most of my gear and went out on the deck for a temperature test. 

Bottom half - Uniqlo Heat Tech leggings (very thin), bike shorts, track pants, waterproof overpants, warm socks, Aurora boots to be put on in the Mudroom.

Top half - Uniqlo long sleeved Heat Tech shirt (thin) and double layer Aurora jacket, thin gloves, waterproof gloves and hat with ear-flaps.

Verdict: seemed good, but face was freezing, so I added neck gaiter to be worn over nose and cheeks. As we get to colder landings I can swap the trackpants for Merino trackies, and add tshirt or fleece under my jacket.

I forgot to put my jacket hood over my head and fasten before we set off in the zodiac - I won't forget to do that again. My cheapie photochromic sunnies worked a treat - clear when overcast and darken when there's more light.

I decided against having a jacuzzi to start the day. 

 

The zodiac landing was quite challenging for me. We alight from the zodiac into the water;no such thing as a dry landing in these parts.  Large submerged slippery rocks to step out on and just when I thought I was steady, a wave would upset the delicate balance. Thankfully lots of steady arms and grips from the guides were there to help and I didn't end up submerged myself.  Walking up the rocky 'beach' was only slightly less challenging, but at least no waves.  Once I got the hang of it, the walking pole was helpful.  My huge waterproof boots are a bit big for me, so I'll try wearing two pairs of socks next time.

 

 

Due to the incidence of Avian Flu in the area we have been warned we are not to place anything on the ground eg backpack, tripod etc and cannot sit or kneel down.  So, with two pairs of gloves on, carrying a walking pole, selfie stick with camera attached and a small wet bag with sunnies, tissues, and second camera, I was a study in un-coordination. I had to remove the larger waterproof gloves at times to work the camera and managed to drop a glove 4 times in 5 minutes before I realised gloves have wrist straps for just this purpose.

HELLO!!!!

My dream photo and I got it on my first landing 💙

 

 

 

One of these rocks is not like the others.   

 

I was a big worried by this constant stare ...

Grumpy staring seal in the background

Chinstrap penguin

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our ship the Sylvia Earle, the challenging rocks and another Where's Wally sneaky seal.

Spot the seal

Much friendlier gaze from this one

 

 

I nearly stepped on this guy 

After an hour or so of taking photos, avoiding walking on seals, avoiding falling on rocks, juggling gloves/pack/camera/walking pole, I was ready to head back. 

What an adventure.  

It's a huge process rugging up to go out, walking down to the Mudroom, putting on life vest, stepping in and out of disinfectant and boot wash, onto the zodiac, and into the water for a landing. And of course the ride home involves the reverse process.  It felt good to take off all the layers.  Everything remained dry despite the rain, light snow, splashes from the zodiac and landing in water.  I headed straight for a hot coffee and lunch was served when everyone returned.

They have just announced the second landing today will require walking 5 to 10 metres in water from the zodiac, so I've decided to skip this one.  I don't want to push my luck on the very first day of landings.  

I will try and get some less bulky waterproof gloves from the ship shop, hopefully eliminate the need to carry a drypac at all, and I'll be all set for the next one.