Wilhelmina Bay

 We motored all night and when we woke we found ourselves in Wilhelmina Bay. It was another grey overcast morning, and we have a zodiac booking at 2.00pm, so hopefully the weather will be OK. All of the toys, including the submarine are being off loaded so it looks like everything is on today.


Arrived at Wilhelmina Bay


Morning activities under way

Normally the mornings are a bit grey and cold and the sun comes out around midday improving the weather as the day goes on. Snow is predicted for later in the day, but we are due to go out at 2 pm so all should be OK.

This bay is a popular area to observe sea ice and humpback whales. We are early in the season here so the sea ice is still covering a lot of the bay, but will all be gone in a month or two.





The zodiacs nudged right in to the edge of the ice whilst the guides took us through the details of how it forms each winter by freezing the fresh water layer that comes from the melting snow over summer. During winter this whole area is covered in sea ice.



We are a fair way away from the Viking Octantis which is holding position well out into the bay.



As usual, the scenery is stunning, and fortunately for us, the weather seems to be holding, although the wind chill is a bit colder today. We are rugged up with so many warm layers that it is not really an issue. The daily temperature seems to hover around 0 C most days so far. 

The radio in the zodiac goes off to announce there has been a sighting of humpback whales, and before we know it, we have turned around and are approaching the area at speed. When we arrive there, most of the other zodiacs and the special operations boat are also there.


When can see a whale tail well into the distance toward the shore


After a bit of patience, the whales decide to come closer and we get a photo opportunity.




Finally it was time to return to the ship and we managed to get a couple of good shots of the ship from the water.


There are 2 special operations boats and they are launched from the hangar, via a slipway discharging out of the stern of the ship.


Viking Octantis with zodiacs loading and unloading

At around 5 pm, it begins to snow, so we were very lucky that it was fine when we were out on the water.

Tonight the scientific team are launching a weather ballon to collect data that is fed back to the relevant authorities. The snow wasn't part of the plan, but didn't deter the passengers and crew from witnessing the spectacle. At 8.45 pm, we assembled on deck 6, encouraged to to so by the offer of a free hot toddy. It was still snowing lightly.


The crowd assembles regardless of the weather


Light snow is falling


The crowd has grown as the count down to the launch begins


The scientific team on the top deck ready to go


Launch completed



Cameras are firing in all directions to capture the event

Live streaming of data commences immediately and can be seen coming in live at Expedition Central. We are promised a full report tomorrow so opt to wait for that.




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