Leopard Seals

Today we anchored at Petermann Island, the southernmost of the popular landings in the Antarctic Peninsula.

This morning, we took a Zodiac ashore.  On the way, we marveled first at the large amount of pack ice floating all around us, then we oohed and aahed at several Leopard Seals resting on ice floes — the pair in this image are mother and pup.  

Once on the island, we admired scads of Gentoo and Adélie penguins all standing about in various states of molt.  So adorable!

This afternoon, we did a Zodiac expedition (no landfall), and watched several humpback whales "logging" -- just drifting in the water, sound asleep, occasionally spouting.  Just an amazing sight to behold.

Some fellow passengers -- either very brave or very crazy, or both -- took the "Polar Plunge" this afternoon.  Jumping off the ship into the below-freezing, ice chunk infested Antarctic waters.  NO WAY would I ever be convinced to do such a thing, but I admire their bravery!