Saturday, December 5, 2015

Arrival Into Deception Island, Antarctica

By Jonny Blair


The entrance into Deception Island was full of marvel and wonder. It really was like a James Bond film scene. Even standing on deck waiting to pass through a narrow passage known as "Neptune's Bellows" you could sense the mist of intrigue in the air.

It was cold and chilly on deck and a wee bit windy. A brave crowd had gathered on deck to view our narrow entrance through the slim channel into Deception Island. It is a superb way to build up your backpacking acumen, your travel awareness and to conquer your lasting fears of backpacking around the world. Certainly Antarctica is a dreamland every traveler needs to see.

The gap at the entrance to Deception Island in Antarctica is incredibly tight. Why? Because this island in Antarctica is shaped like a C. At least from a bird's eye view and it is deceiving hence the island's name. Our captain glided the boat calmly through!

Indeed the arrival through Neptune's Bellows into Deception Island is marvellous as well as being tight and it feels like the ship is going in slow motion most of the time, which is true! You had to be out on the main deck to witness it - an amazing voyage was getting even better now!

It was one of a few times I visited the Bridge during the sailing and it was quite busy - everyone wanted to hear and watch the captain at work in what is a tricky job. He does a good job steering the ship in some really tricky and difficult weather conditions.

A photo of how the captain did it shows the concentration in his eyes as we steered ourselves through the straight and narrow passage to Neptune's Bellows at Deception Island. Some of those onboard were amazed by the captain's professionalism and work at getting us through the tight gap.

Neptune's Bellows (630S 6034W) is a channel on the southeast side of Deception Island forming the entrance to Port Foster, in the South Shetland Islands. The name, after the Roman sea god Neptune, was appended by American sealers prior to 1822 because of the strong gusts experienced in this narrow channel.

Despite strong winds, the captain steered the boat calmly through Neptune's Bellows and into Deception Island where a magical experience lay ahead. The ongoing Antarctica adventures were a sight to behold and the memories will last forever. This was an amazing journey!




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