2015-04-18: Paradise Bay

  • After lunch, we arrived in Paradise Bay.
  • We went for a cruise through the icebergs. The landscape is stunning.
  • We found a leopard seal sunbathing on an iceberg. We went in really close. First, he got a bit excited and barked at us. At some point, he got annoyed and just ignored us.
  • We then went to Base Brown. The researches and military personal had already left the base and shut it down for the winter.
  • Setting foot ashore on Base Brown marked the first continental landing on the Antarctic continent. So finally, the last continent is taken.
  • We then climbed onto a hill overlooking the bay from above, and enjoyed the sun.
  • From time to time there was a big bang from big chunks of ice breaking off the glacier and falling into the water. We saw one iceberg cracking up.

Noon position: 64° 40’S 62°  36’W; Wind W Force 6; Sea state 2; Air 2° C.

 

Zodiac
Zodiac

 

Base Brown
Base Brown

 

Zodiac Cruise through Paradise Bay
Zodiac Cruise through Paradise Bay

 

Paradise Bay
Paradise Bay

 

Glacier in Paradise Bay
Glacier in Paradise Bay

 

Iceberg
Iceberg

 

Iceberg
Iceberg

 

Sea Lion Sunbathing
Leopard Seal Sunbathing

 

On the Continent
On the Continent

 

Climing a Hill
Climbing a Hill

 

On the Summit
On the Summit (front left to right: Ralf, myself, Bob, John; back left to right: Phil, Craig)

 

Paradise Bay from Above
Paradise Bay from Above

 

Penguins
Gentoo Penguins — the only Inhabitants Left on Base Brown

 

Radar
Radar

 

GPS Tracks in Paradise Bay
GPS Tracks in Paradise Bay