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Exploring Antarctica, the frozen shores
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See my previous articles:
Exploring Antarctica, a trip of a lifetime
Exploring Antarctica, leaving the known world
Exploring Antarctica, the Drake Passage
Exploring Antarctica, Aitcho, Greenwich, and the South Shetland Islands
Exploring Antarctica, danger at every turn
A wall of ice
Neko Harbor on the Antarctic continent is a magnificent place. At the base of the harbor are several gigantic glaciers. Pressure, from the weight of all the ice, is released here. Huge thunderous cracking sounds can be heard, as 500 foot walls of ice break off and plunge into the sea. People look like ants, or penguins, as they stand at the foot of the ice wall.
Brown Station
Not too far from Neko Harbor is Brown Station in Paradise Bay, which is where one of the Argentine Antarctic research stations is located. Brown Station is a lonely and often deserted place. Behind Brown is a 166 foot hill. Going uphill it in knee deep snow wearing wellington boots is hard work. The best way down is to follow the penguin’s lead and slide down on your back. There is lots of pack ice in Paradise Bay and seals are often spotted lounging on floating burgs. The bay can get very cold when traveling around it in rubber boats. But, the view of the glaciers is worth the discomfort.
Swiming at Whalers Bay
Another must do experience while in the Antarctic is to pass through the Neptune Bellows of Deception Island. Deception Island is in effect a partly submerged volcano. The island forms a large ring so once you pass through the Neptune Bellows, the only way in, you find yourself in a highly protected bay. Volcanic processes at Whalers Bay heat up the water, at some beaches, and so it is possible to swim there. The solitude at the now deserted whaling station can stun you; it really gives you the feeling of a snow covered ghost town.
Half Moon Island
Half Moon Island is the location of another Argentine station. The name is very appropriate as it does have a perfect half moon shaped bay. This was the final stop on my tour of Antarctica. It is a truly amazing place to visit. It is full of life, beauty, and danger. If you do not see it before you die you will have missed experiencing a part of our world unlike any other.
See a video from Half Moon Island
See photos from Half Moon Island
Links:
See a video of Neko Habor
See a penguin at Neko Harbor
See photos from Neko Harbor
See photos of Brown Station
See a video of Whalers Bay
Photos from Whalers Bay
See a video from Half Moon Island
See photos from Half Moon Island
Map of the trip
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