Friday, 24 January, 2014
Today was probably the most quiet and relaxing day we’ve experienced since we began this adventure. We’ve been way out on the open Atlantic Ocean all day, rolling in 10-15 foot waves as we work our way towards Punta del Este, Uruguay. We should arrive there sometime early Sunday morning. In the meantime, ship life has been filled with more seminars and lectures by Dr. Michael Wilcox, Dave Breshnahan, and Chris Wilson on subjects such as Ferdinand Magellan, 40 years of Antarctic Progress and Changes, & the art and sketches of the early Antarctic artist Ted Wilson, who died with Robert Scott in 1912, just 11 miles short of their destination in Antarctica. Our series of over 20 lectures have been a highlight of this entire experience and we commend Holland America Cruise Line for adding this informative and interesting ingredient to the cruise.We have never had a chance to get bored or been left with nothing to do. Also today, Marla attended a fun workshop demonstration on how to make the numerous delicious chilled fruit soups that have been such a hit on the menu, and attended a demonstration on how to create the towel animal art that has adorned our stateroom bed every evening.
Other than that it has been a relaxing day with beautiful ocean scenery, especially watching the graceful and magnificent Albatross gliding over the water and the wake of our ship. Their 9-12 foot wingspan makes it look so easy, and they never flap their wings as they maximize the effects of the wind currents and thermals to keep them in the air. Truly an amazing and "uplifting" sight to behold, no pun intended. A much earlier and beautiful sunset this evening followed dinner. Since we are moving further north every minute, our days are getting shorter and nights are getting longer again. We had a few days while in Antarctica with only about 3 hours of darkness between sunset and sunrise.
Other than that it has been a relaxing day with beautiful ocean scenery, especially watching the graceful and magnificent Albatross gliding over the water and the wake of our ship. Their 9-12 foot wingspan makes it look so easy, and they never flap their wings as they maximize the effects of the wind currents and thermals to keep them in the air. Truly an amazing and "uplifting" sight to behold, no pun intended. A much earlier and beautiful sunset this evening followed dinner. Since we are moving further north every minute, our days are getting shorter and nights are getting longer again. We had a few days while in Antarctica with only about 3 hours of darkness between sunset and sunrise.
Dinner tonight began with chilled fresh fruit, a shrimp & squid cocktail in coconut milk, and then chilled guava & passion fruit soup. WOW! Marla and I both enjoyed grilled chicken fajitas for our entree. Marla of course had mango sorbet for dessert. The food choices, variety, and quality have truly been an experience in itself on this cruise. We have not suffered, other than probably experiencing too much of a good thing.
You will notice that the pictures I posted on the blog are all from yesterday's Penguin adventure in the Falkland Islands. That’s all I have to share since I’m not taking any new pictures until we arrive in Uruguay. Penguins are always a favorite so I thought I’d take this opportunity to share them for three continuous blog posts. The last one of the headless penguin is a very special picture. I had a difficult time getting him to pose like that. Hope you enjoy them as much as we did in person, an incredible experience and dream come true.
Other than a headache resulting from the tortuous Safari drive yesterday out to the penguin colonies, we are doing just fine and sorry to see the end nearing in about a week. Hoping everyone is happy and healthy back home in Utah and British Columbia.
Other than a headache resulting from the tortuous Safari drive yesterday out to the penguin colonies, we are doing just fine and sorry to see the end nearing in about a week. Hoping everyone is happy and healthy back home in Utah and British Columbia.
Love to everyone from somewhere out here in the South Atlantic Ocean. Tom & Marla
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