Introduction to today's journey
THE ANTARCTIC convergence zone begins at around 60 degrees south. Here the sea temperature suddenly drops to near freezing and the clear air of the northern Drake Passage becomes thick with fog. This is the first sign of the approach to the Antarctic Peninsula. Cruising southward, when we hit the fog, we watch out for the huge icebergs circling the continent, and with anticipation we watch for the first mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula appear out of the fog.
Today's journey crosses into the Antarctic Convergence Zone and continues southwards entering the Bellinghauser Sea eventually reaching the Melchior Islands, just a little offshore from the Antarctic Peninsula. Upon arriving at the islands, we stop at the Melchior Base on Observatorio Island. This is one of thirteen Argentine owned scientific research bases in Antarctica. After doing a Zodiac cruise of the bay, we depart the islands heading south to avoid some approaching bad weather, making a beeline towards the Antarctic Circle.
Today's Journey
View full content...
|
