The stand-out sights of this small boat excursion were a number of Weddell seals resting on some of the bergy bits.

Day 7 of my voyage to the #Antarctic Peninsula on the #tallship #BarkEuropa: an exploration of a narrow channel between Spert and Trinity Islands in small boats, weaving between numerous icebergs and growlers.
#BusmansHoliday

@jwcph Columnar jointing formed in cooling magma often produces spectacular features. Other examples are the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland and on the island of Staffa in the Inner Hebrides, west of Scotland. It seems almost too perfect and regular to be natural.

@jwcph The other-worldly appearance is probably a little exaggerated because I'd accidentally messed up the white balance on my camera. It took me a while to work out what was wrong. I've tried adjusting the colours to appear more realistic but with only partial success.

Day 6 of my voyage to the #Antarctic Peninsula on the #tallship #BarkEuropa: a close approach to Half Moon Island in McFarlane Strait, South Shetland Islands, but strong winds precluded a landing. Subsequently we approached close to Edinburgh Hill on Livingston Island, a volcanic plug exhibiting spectacular columnar jointing.
#BusmansHoliday

@Raphi Operating a ship of this kind has high costs. The voyage crew fees pay most of the bills.

@Raphi
Unless you're an experienced tall ship sailor and in a position to apply to become one of the permanent crew, you need to sign up as "voyage crew" and pay the substantial fee. It was the most I've ever paid for a trip lasting a few weeks, but so worth it.
Here is the sailing schedule
https://www.barkeuropa.com/en/our-voyages/sailing-schedule

@croyle Have you been in contact with my former colleague Mike Gloistein who is a ham radio enthusiast (gm0hcq) and often used to interact with other hams in his spare time while down South?

Wildlife encountered during our landing at Whalers' Bay, Deception Island.