Our Christmas Eve day was a celebratory one as we landed on the Antarctic continent and saw one of the most powerful animals on the planet in its element. Our morning began with a stop at Orne Harbour, which is a steep climb to an overlook near Spigot Peak. This was a continental landing. While some looked for seals during a Zodiac cruise others walked to the top and could see Mt. Francais, the highest point along the peninsula at 9160 ft., off in the distance on Anvers Island. The sun shone brightly as the guests played in the snow, attempted sliding down the hill, or just sat and were impressed by the attitudes of the chinstrap penguins that make the climb every few days to their nests.
In the afternoon National Geographic Explorer was moved a short distance to Cuverville Island, which is home to the largest colony of gentoo penguins in Antarctica. There was a chance to walk to the top of the island for more spectacular views of the waterways and other islands that lie along the coast. Others took their first opportunity to kayak. Kayaking in Antarctica is a great chance to move silently through the water and amongst the ice. There was just enough ice to make it interesting and not so much that the kayakers could not be seen by the weary eyes on the bridge and safety boats. Towards the end of the kayaking operation a surprise visitor showed up. A small group of killer whales approached the ship, but then quickly turned around and swam towards a few Zodiacs that were ferrying guests from shore. Close looks were had by some, but then the killer whales vanished as quickly as they appeared.
It was a spectacular finish to an amazing day here along the Antarctic Peninsula.
