Day 8 - Orne Harbour and Danko Island


We woke up to thick fog around the ship with the sun trying to break through. The fog gradually cleared to reveal the absolutely phenomenal landscape of Orne Harbour where there are 1000ft mountains coming straight out of the sea.  Other mountains further inland go up to 3500ft


At the landing point there was a fur seal on the rocks having a snooze but I think we woke him up.

We had to climb a very steep hill for almost 1km to reach the chinstrap penguin colony.

Penguin Highway

Orne Harbour with colony on left

Chinstrap Penguin

Chinstrap Penguin

Penguin Colony








 


There were some lovely views from the viewpoint.








Coming back down was not easy as it was steep and very slippery.  I fell a few times and slid for a bit on my backside.

After lunch we went to Danko Island.  There was a Gentoo penguin colony and another viewpoint over the Channel.  The walk was challenging but not as bad as the one earlier.







On our return we had the opportunity of swimming in the Antarctic Ocean, known as the Polar Plunge.  So, after declaring that I didn't gave any heart problems, along with a few others I stripped off (with swimming costume underneath) and ran quickly into the sea, got my feet off the bottom,  swam a few strokes, then ran out again to dry off and get dressed before hypothermia set in.  I couldn't feel my legs while drying them.  The water did feel very cold and really took my breath away - it was apparently 3C with ice floating about.  Paul declined to join in but took the photos.  I did once swim with dolphins so thought swimming with Penguins would also be good and I will get an official certificate!





It has been a lovely sunny day and as we moved along this evening there were some lovely views from the ship.









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