Geocaching in Antarctica, March 4

I had created a list of nearly 30 geocache possibilities for our Antarctica cruise. Geocaches, most of them earth caches,  specific to possible stops the cruise ship/yacht might make. I was very aware weather and the captain's discretion might affect the list, but I was certain we would make at least one geocache stop. It wasn't until the final day of Zodiac excursions, and the Captain's plan B or maybe C when the geo fates aligned and the 7:00 PM excursion was an earthcache on my list. It also turned out to be one of the best for wildlife, too.

This Weddell seal greeted us upon our Zodiac landing.

He was gone when we left Portal Point.

The three of us wearing the parkas furnished by the cruise line. Each of us brought ours home. Perfect for winters in SD & MN.

Gentoo penguins at Portal Point

and Fur Seals

there were a total of 4 Fur Seals

some folks walked to the viewing point

In the 1950s the British built a hut at this place to continue local survey work in the region. In 1996 the hut was dismantled and transported to the Falkland Islands Museum. Only the foundation remains. 

the original afternoon plan for the day

the talks that day featured seals and sea lions

it was snowing lightly that evening

the geocaching virtual souvenir

Now, the trip to Antarctica is complete!

There will be one or two more blog posts as a wrap-up and some odds and ends that didn't make the daily posts.

Morning of Day 4, Antarctica

 After a very smooth crossing through The Drake Passage, we arrived at Antarctica on Monday, March 2nd. 

Morning Views and Photos

scenery at 8:40 AM

gentoo penguins heading out to feed

Zodiac passengers

one of the Kayak groups

blue ice with a face

Our Favorite Daughter (OFD) did a Zodiac ride in the morning. Here are some of her photos.

The Zodiac guide fished a piece of saltwater ice out of the water to share info about ice composition. 

humpback 

our yacht, Atlas Voyager

(more about the ship in a later post)

Antarctica was the 7th Continent OFD has stepped foot on during her travels. For her, this trip was to celebrate completing her MA degree and the continents' milestone.

humpback from the ship

my tail shot from the ship

the scenery as we moved to our afternoon location

We were told how quickly weather can change and to be prepared for quick departures if out on the water. The cloud layers added interest to the photos.

Hamilton

 OFD  gifted the two of us tickets to see Hamilton on Broadway during our one day stay in NYC on this trip to Antarctica. I think this is my third Broadway show in NYC. What a fabulous experience made better by the fact that I spent two nights prior to leaving SD listening to the music on CDs that were loaned to me to enhance the experience  I was able to read the words as I listened. Then I followed that with some Alexander Hamilton research. 

It was an AMAZING experience. Thanks OFD.

Christmas Lights at The Falls

 OFD wanted to see the Christmas Lights at The Falls after the play and pizza. These are her photos.

Winter Wonderland from November 21-January 5

over 29 miles of twinkling light strands

260 decorated trees

the Visitor's Center & Observation Tower

The Falls are water (Sioux River) cataracts and waterfalls at the Sioux Quartzite quarry in downtown Sioux Falls. The Parks and Rec Department light and decorate The Falls Park the weekend before Thanksgiving for the Christmas season. Thousands of people visit the park during this season.

colored lights reflecting on the water

You can see the fog start to move in by looking at the sky in this photo.

and there's the fog

visitors can walk throughout the park or drive through to see the lights

this was the 22nd year of the lights at The Falls

This house is NOT part of the lights at The Falls. It was on 26th Street across from McKennon Park. We noticed their huge Halloween display and wanted to see if they decorated for Christmas. Yes, they did. Arch over the sidewalk. Lighted figures on the lawn. House and garage trimmed in lights. Christmas spirit.