26 Jan 2024

A wealth of adventure in McMurdo Sound

Our In the Wake of Scott & Shackleton voyage which has featured many after-dinner activities, has now included one before breakfast. We made a 0600 start to either return to Cape Evans hut, or Zodiac cruise in the area. The hut visitors were able to spend more time immersed in history, while the cruise in the morning light included an encounter with a pair of Minke Whales and a Weddell Seal.

During breakfast Heritage Adventurer returned to the sea ice edge at the southern end of McMurdo Sound. The conditions were warmer and clearer than our previous visit. A smoking Mount Erebus, Mount Discovery, the Transantarctic Mountains, and the sea ice itself glistened in the bright sun and clear air, and the Orcas/Killer Whales again came to greet us.

During lunch, our Captain pulled alongside the fast ice and we were treated to a barbeque on the aft deck. Our exploration of the sea ice edge resumed with multiple sightings of Emperor Penguins and spyhopping Orcas/Killer Whales. The strength and manoeuvrability of the mighty Heritage Adventurer and the skill of our Captain and his crew were on display throughout. In the mid-afternoon Expedition Leader Nathan Russ announced our departure to head north. This was not unexpected, and we have had a fabulous experience in this wild, rugged, remote and historic region. We knew it had to end, but so full has been our programme that it seems like we just arrived.

After some quiet time for reflection and recovery, we convened in the lounge for celebration, recap and briefing. More adventures awaited. These and our recent achievements made the dinner conversation lively.

Images © F. Wardle, Heritage Expeditions