I Blog Poetry and Prose

Day 2: Antarctica Zociac Cruise

Jamal (Beauty), 3 Kamal (Perfection) 177 B.E. - Sunday, August 2, 2020

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30-Day Blogging Challenge ON HIATUS  (13+) WDC's Longest Running Blog Competition - Hiatus #1786069 by Fivesixer

Zodiac Cruising - 30 day prompt

Go where your cruise ship can’t — hop aboard a small, sturdy inflatable boat and buzz between the icebergs and around the mountains. This is your chance to get an up-close look at some of the more cautious wildlife in the ocean, on land, and in the skies. It’s common for leopard seals, penguins, and other curious animals to pop up alongside to say hello. You’ll never feel so small in your life as you gaze up at the massive glaciers and icebergs from sea level. To call it a humbling experience would be an understatement.

Good to know: This activity is a big favorite of photographers. Zodiac cruising allows for more intimate viewing as well as an entirely different perspective.

Antarctica is the site of some of the world’s most cutting-edge research. There are dozens of scientific research centers here, and one of the most interesting things to do in Antarctica is to take a tour of one of these fascinating facilities. The Vernadsky Research Base on Galindez Island opens its doors to visitors all while studying everything from meteorology, ecology, biology, glaciology, seismology and physics. It was at this research station that the hole in the ozone layer was first discovered.

Another cool and unexpected aspect of this research center is the Vernadsky Station Lounge, one of the southernmost bars in the world. Try the vodka, which has been distilled on site. Bottoms up! We're going to help examine green snow and check out the satellite studies of the visual evidence of climate change.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-bar-at-vernadsky-research-base-antarctic...

Good to know: The post office at the Vernadsky Station is one of the few places in all of Antarctica from where you can send a mail. Mailing a postcard will cost you around USD 2 while a letter (including stamps) is about USD 6*.

we're still sleeping in our sleeping bags.

Behold the beauty
of snow,
of ice,
of reflected blue light,
of penguins on the rocky shore,
and of humpback whales surfacing
in the icy water.

Behold the beauty
of Antarctica from a Zodiac,
while silently giving thanks
to the All Glorious Creator
for this exquisite land
of water, snow, ice, penguins, and whales.

Poet's Note: ▼

For pictures that inspirated of this poem see "Here’s Why Zodiac Tours in Antarctica Are Among the Best Polar Travel Experiences" by Karen Edwards https://discover.silversea.com/destinations/antarctica/zodiac-tours-in-antarctic...