Since it has been much colder than normal lately, I thought I would share some pictures of the coldest continent.
I saw an article earlier this week that a new record cold temperature had been recently recorded there. I also started thinking of a National Geographic article about Antarctica and tracked it down on the shelf in my library.
This November 1971 article brings back some good memories of my trip to Antarctica.
I really like the gentoo penguin on the cover. The penguin is wearing a radio backpack that is monitoring vital signs and relaying them to researchers. I need to find a picture of how they monitor them today. I am sure that a lot has changed in 40 years.
The article is about the Antarctica peninsula which is where we were on our cruise.
However enough of my wandering thoughts, you were promised views of Antarctica in the title of the post, so here are some of the pictures that I took.
This picture was taken in Paradise Bay which is home to several research stations. This was also the furthest south that we went on the cruise.
The bay was very peaceful and very beautiful. Surprisingly, it did not feel that cold. The temperatures were in the 30’s and there was no wind as we were barely moving as we were given a chance to experience the beauty of the bay.
Another interesting thing about Antarctica was that it seemed like we were looking at snow covered mountain peaks poking out of the water.
Of course there were many icebergs floating in the water. In the background of this picture you can see Melchior Island.
The water was also very calm as we cruised through the Antarctic waters. It was a beautiful sunny day and we had a great time watching for whales. If you want to see a picture of a whale fluke in Antarctica, you can visit my post: Cold Water Pics
This picture is also of Melchior Island, but is not a direct picture. Instead, this is a reflection in the windows of the cruise ship.
I really like reflection pictures, and this is one of my favorites.
As I look at these pictures this evening, I am starting to think about going back some day.
Would you visit Antarctica if you had a chance?
Steven
Braman's Wanderings 
That must have been quite a trip.
This ice picture is so good, I like this blog, Thank you very much for sharing
When did you go on the cruise to Antarctica? My good friend took a similar cruise some years ago. I have not been on a cruise, but have spent two winters “on the ice”…first time late 80s at McMurdo Station, which is actually on an island, and second time was mid 90s at south pole station. Wintering means being there for a full year, both austral summer and winter. Didn’t get to see the nice iceberg/water like in your photos, those are beautiful! Personally, I like the Adele penguins, they are small and really comical. The Emperors are taller than I originally thought, and quite majestic.
Ann, I was there in February of 2010. I would love to go back some day and spend some time on land. I will have to keep my eyes open for opportunities.
I hope you get the opportunity to do it. My South Pole group is starting to plan for a 20-year reunion in the summer. Meanwhile, here is a link to the U.S. Antarctic Program’s webcams at McMurdo Station (tabs under the image), with links to the other two stations. They refresh every 30 seconds. 😀
oops, forgot the link: http://www.usap.gov/videoclipsandmaps/mcmWebCam.cfm
Pingback: Tempered Tuesday Temps | Braman's Wanderings
Pingback: Not Your Usual Cruise Pictures | Braman's Wanderings
Pingback: Recorder Player | Braman's Wanderings
Pingback: Thursday Wandering Thoughts | Braman's Wanderings