Storms

The weather has continued to deteriorate as we progress south. The blowing snow is continuous with winds building to a sustained 50 knots. The waves are building rapidly with the wind carving off the tops of the waves. The heavy mist blown from the waves mixed with the blowing snow make for a miserable and wet experience on deck. Every time I look out, the seas are larger. Incredible how the storm hit so quickly. The seascape is beautiful in a harsh form with the wind ripped towering waves and blowing snow. We should make the South Shetland Islands this afternoon where we intend to anchor on the lea or protected east side of one of the islands.

Prior to sailing into the gale, we were entertained by pilot whales, penguins, albatross, and storm petrels.

Here are a couple of pictures this morning before the weather flipped.








Oops! Paula just stepped onto the balcony to take pictures of a Northern Giant Petrel that is surfing the wind between waves. A huge wave struck sending a shudder through the ship with our terrace getting dunked in ice water. Paula quickly retreated.

Here's what it looks like now, winds gusting to 60 knots with ice forming on handrails and window sills.




We just encountered our first iceberg about 200 yards off the port.

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Location:62.08.62 S 59.57.84 W