National Geographic Resolution sailed into Cierva Cove around 0730 am. We stopped at the entrance to drop off our visiting scientists, Louise and Catie, who planned to count the penguins at Herschel Island.
We spent the morning Zodiac cruising among larger-than-life icebergs and rafts of chinstrap and gentoo penguins. We spotted a few humpback whales as well. To everyone’s delight, the hotel team made the morning even better when they served hot chocolate from a Zodiac along the way.
During lunch, we repositioned a few miles north in Mikkelsen Harbour. As Expedition Leader Jamie had planned and hoped for, conditions were perfect for an afternoon in the kayaks. We paddled with humpback whales while surrounded by glaciers. Those of us who wanted to go ashore instead had the opportunity to walk between small gentoo colonies and Weddell seals hauled out onshore.
Our day, which already seemed perfect, ended with a polar plunge with record participation. The sun was still shining as National Geographic Resolution sailed south during dinner.
