An Outing on the Southern Ocean

Going to the Antarctic was not something that I had ever really thought about doing. I don't know why. I wasn't so excited before we went but I did know that when we got there I would love it and that is exactly what happened. Sadly we didn't make it to the Antarctic Continent as it was an extremely unusual year with the ice not melting and we just couldn't get through. However we were in the Antarctic and got to within 180miles of Commonwealth Bay.

7th December was the big day when it was finally decided that we would actually get off the ship into the Zodiacs and cruise around the ocean and in amongst the ice. We were in expedition mode (as they affectionately called it). After breakfast we rugged up which is a major exercise in itself. We wore several layers to keep ourselves warm against the cold. First we had on long thermal underwear with a T shirt over the top, next came our warm wind proof pants and jacket, after that went on our waterproof pants and down jacket and then our big outer Red Jacket given to us by Orion Cruises. Underneath our boots we had 2 pair of extremely warm socks, gloves with inner gloves to keep our fingers warm and a hat on our head to keep the heat in. Yes.....it was a lot of clothing to put on. We needed it.

Everyone was excitedly waiting at the stern of the ship for their turn to get onto the water.

Before we were able to get out on the ocean we had to wait while the crew first went out and checked the suitability of the conditions.

We watched patiently while other groups went out. The zodiacs hold about 10 passengers, a driver and one of the expedition leaders.

Getting onto the zodiacs was a very ordered process. You had to wait until told to move forward and then using the zodiac grip (clasping wrists) you were loaded onto the boat. Extreme caution was used as the boat was moving up and down so you had to wait and step on at just the right time.

Finally it was our turn and slowly we moved away from the ship. Nice to get a couple of shots of MV Orion from the water.

It was very cold and I was really appreciative of all the layers that we had on.

Our driver.......

Even though it was cold, the view made it all worthwhile.

All too soon it was over and we headed back to the warmth of MV Orion.