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January 23, 2020 - This morning we were in Orne Harbour the weather was what I had always imagined it would be in Antarctica snow, sleet and rain. We have been spoiled with nice weather and this being our final day in Antarctica I enjoyed the precipitation.
After our Zodiac ride to the landing area we had a challenging climb to the top of Look-Out Point which is over 900 feet up an icy switchback trail. Near the top we had to haul ourselves up using the ropes which were set up for the last 50 feet or so of the climb.
The ship had trekking poles for those who didn't pack them however each person only got one pole. I decided not to bring my camera bag and my SLR camera. I just used my cellphone to document this AWESOME experience!
We were greeted by Chinstrap Penguins at the top of the climb and we got to see the penguin highways which I had heard about but hadn't seen up until this point in the trip. It was extremely windy at the peak where we took a Popsicle Toes group photo for those who climbed and views of Orne Harbour were incredible from the top.
For those who weren't up for the hike they had the option of doing a Zodiac Tour of the bay.
Wildlife seen: Chinstrap Penguins and Brown Skua. We also saw: Antarctica Hairgrass and Snow Algae which sometimes has a pink or green hue.
This and a couple other fish of this type were brought to the lake and pond to clean up the algae that had formed across them both. They were very hungry and it was cleaned up quickly. I think these fish are beautiful and understand they don't come cheap. This one looks like it was flying across the water but in fact was swimming as it does very close to the surface.
A rare and unusual specimen of algae preserved in clear chalcedony. Originally it would have been growing in silica-rich run-off from geothermal hot springs. Kaueranga Valley, Thames
The canopy is pressurized, so standing on it is no problem. Here's Ross standing proudly on the pond cell.
A piece of abstract art near the lakeshore. I like the patterns formed by foam and out-of -focus leaves, and the sharp shadows on the surface.
A rare and unusual specimen of algae preserved in clear chalcedony. Originally it would have been growing in silica-rich run-off from geothermal hot springs. Kaueranga Valley, Thames