February 6 - Portal Point, Antarctica

Well, I disappointed myself and no doubt you will be disappointed too, but I wussed out at the last moment and didn’t go on the zodiac. I’m ashamed of myself, but it just didn’t feel right.

When I woke up we were here, Portal Point, and the scenery is pretty incredible. Floating not far off from my veranda is an iceberg which is easily as big as our ship.  It has been cloudy all day so the colors aren’t as brilliant as they would be if it were sunny.  My group was scheduled to go ashore at noon, but they were quickly running behind schedule.  So after breakfast I walked around and took pictures.  A Regent ship sailed past us.  I think they were just doing scenic cruising.  It’s very cold outside; the temp on the TV says 32° but it feels colder

I think this was the Regent Seven Seas Voyager, the only one Al & I sailed on

As noon approached I put on all my layers and gear.  I had on long underwear, top and bottom, a turtleneck top, a puffer long sleeve jacket, a waterproof parka, waterproof fleece-lined pants and thermal socks.  To complete the outfit I had on a knit cap, insulated gloves and trekking poles.  I really did intend to try going ashore.  Oh, I forgot, on top of everything else we all had to wear over the parka a life vest which weighs at least 6 or 7 pounds and is apparently filled with CO2 cartridges which will inflate if we fall in the water.  We were supposed to be “zipped and clipped” before we went down to where we would put on our boots.  

Finally we got the call that it was our turn so I waddled down to the aft deck. Fortunately there was a very nice crew member who helped me get my boots on, no easy feat with the heavy socks and layers of clothing.  Then we stood in line for what seemed like forever and it began snowing.  We were taken down to the zodiac platform in groups of 14.  As per Iggy’s suggestion to me yesterday, I asked to be in the last zodiac in my group. When it was my turn I had to go down another couple of flights of steps (I don’t like steps in the best of circumstances) and finally I made it outside.  I was to be number 13 in my zodiac and it was rocking a lot.  The lady ahead of me had to be essentially lifted and slung into the vessel; it was snowing harder, and my apple watch was vibrating which I discovered was telling me my heart rate was too high. So now that I offered up all these excuses and extenuating circumstances, I told the nice expedition people that I thought today was just not my day to do this. 

I’m really upset with myself for backing out.  I feel a little better since I’ve talked to a few people who did go in the two earlier groups and they said they didn’t see much ashore.  I’ll try again tomorrow and maybe I’ll be braver.

It's very late and I can finally get online.   This evening I encountered a couple of people who slipped and fell on the rocks. Fortunately they didn't suffer any injuries.  Another couple showed me a picture of the two lone birds they saw, skuas I think.  So it doesn't sound like I missed much.

I had a nice dinner at a hosted table and then met friends in the club and had fun dancing and chatting. We're becoming known around the ship, so the executive chef stopped by for a chat, the jewelry store manger came and had a drink with us, and two of the guest entertainers joined us for a while.  I think I must have left my inhibitions back in Virginia, but I'm having fun so I guess it's a good thing. I don't know I may have fallen in with a bad lot, but we sure laugh a lot.

Tomorrow we won 't be doing a landing, instead we'll be having a zodiac tour through Melchior Harbour in the Palmer Archipelago.  As we cruised along tonight the scenery was absolutely breathtaking.  We passed very close to some pretty big bergs and the sea at times was full of smaller chunks of ice which I think are called growlers.  I can't take photos that can adequately convey the raw beauty of this place. The weather changes within minutes from sun to snow to sleet to rainbows.  Tonight it has been snowing for  several hours. Anyway, tomorrow I'm going to do my level best to get over my insane phobia.

So for now, good night, buenos noches, guten abend and bon soir.