Tim January 13th, 2008

December 14th 2007

Story and images by Debbie Garside 

This afternoon we had a choice to climb Mount Spigot or take a Zodiac tour. After checking out the spindrift coming off Spigot’s peak, I decided that discretion was the better part of valour and would leave the climbing to Tim. However, this time I was determined to get on the zodiac that was driven by expedition photographer ‘Danny’. The other drivers/marine biologists/historians were great, but when it came to finding the ‘money’ shots, Danny was the best. After strategically jumping place in the line of passengers I managed to position myself in the right boat.

Negotiating the Brash Ice

Click on images for full view

We began with an excursion towards the huge hanging glaciers to look for seals on the ice bergs. Pushing through the ‘brash ice’ was fun and we came upon several crab-eater seals but they were partially hidden and would not be coerced into displaying themselves for the entourage of zodiac tourists. All the while I kept looking up at the precarious cornices and groaning glaciers, whose previously calved pieces were the size small buildings, and wondering… how big are the waves from calving glaciers? Instantly a vision of a tsunami-swamped zodiac comes to mind and I am grateful to hear Danny’s suggestion of heading to the adjacent bay.

Summit Cornice

I can not emphasize enough how insignificant one feels next to these immense glaciers. It only enhances the already eerie feeling of remoteness inherent in the Antarctic experience. Upon entering the un-named bay we were treated to spectacular mountains with glacial caves where ice meets ocean. Spindrift and frequent small avalanches remind us of our tenuous occupation here. Minutes before our scheduled return time we spotted some Weddell seals basking on the nearby ice-shelf! Danny tried to reach our expedition leader via two-way radio to get permission to stay out longer but alas she did not answer. We all agreed it was better to beg for forgiveness than miss this opportunity, so Danny steered for the shore (all the time concocting a story about a little outboard engine trouble). A VERY wet landing on the rocky shore of the 7th continent proved to be worth while, as we photographed the nonchalant poses of several beautiful Weddell seals.

Glacial Caves

Weddell Seal

Since this was an unplanned landing we had no anchor to secure the zodiac on the beach so poor Danny had to act as human anchor, hanging on in knee high waves while his passengers took advantage of an all too brief exploration of shore and seals. The zodiac began to buck and pull with growing waves and an ensuing storm with high winds, so Danny hurried us all back into the craft. As we pulled out of the bay to return to the Polar Star we were excited to see the brave climbers summit Spigot Peak. We all gave them a group wave and a cheer via radio and I thought proudly that Tim was among them. 

Spigot Peak

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• Tim Schumm