We were on the island shortly after 8:00. I would guess the island to be a mile long and a half mile wide. The island runs east/west. At each end of the island there is a small mountain so from afar the appearance is that of horns; thus Devil's Island. I ascended the western "mountain" which took about 30 minutes. I had on way too many clothes for the hike and soon had my hat and gloves off and the jacket unzipped. It was great to get in a little exercise. It was also great to get views of the area from higher than the ship. I would guess that we were up about 500'.
There were rumors that once back aboard the shop we would have an opportunity for the polar plunge but it didn't materialize.
Our next stop was to be Brown Bluff. The ship headed ENE toward the south end of the Tabarin Peninsula and entered the Fridijof Sound between the peninsula and Anderson and Jonassen Islands. The Sound was full of pack ice and icebergs and at one point the ship's captain though that he may have to backtrack but he was able to weave his way through. The trip through the ice was truly otherworldly.
We disembarked slightly after 2:00 for the short Zodiac ride to Brown Bluff. Brown Bluff is a result of volcanic activity from under the glacier. It is the only time were to land on the Antarctic Continent. We were only able to walk on about a half mile of rocky mostly snow covered beach. There were many penguins and fur seals. As usual it was quite windy with temperatures in the low 20s. I had plenty of good clothes on and was toasty warm.
I am now showered and sitting in the ship's bar/lounge. I think a glass of red wine is in order.
ILYB
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