Day 3: Dorian Bay

10.30 AM: Once again, there were many gentoo penguins, but we were able to get a closer look at them. Dorian Bay was definitely the most pristine backdrop we’ve visited so far, with the ships in the calm bay and all the surrounding snowcaps and hills. The weather was mild, also – I actually worked up a sweat when all bundled up.

Dorian Bay

Day 3: Dorian Bay Andre exploring and laying out the safe paths for us

Dorian Bay

Day 3: Dorian Bay Cloudy shot of me staking my Antarctic claim

Dorian Bay

Day 3: Dorian Bay Nesting gentoo penguins near an old antennae

Dorian Bay

Day 3: Dorian Bay

Dorian Bay

Day 3: Dorian Bay Dirty penguin waddling to take a bath in the ocean

Dorian Bay

Day 3: Dorian Bay

Dorian Bay

Day 3: Dorian Bay

Dorian Bay

Day 3: Dorian Bay Tired penguin is tired

Dorian Bay

Day 3: Dorian Bay Clean penguins waddling on the penguin highway, back to the nests

Dorian Bay

Day 3: Dorian Bay A pair of albatross, hanging out near the penguins

Dorian Bay

Day 3: Dorian Bay

Dorian Bay

Day 3: Dorian Bay Nesting penguins be nesting

Dorian Bay

Day 3: Dorian Bay Cake-like glacier across the bay

Dorian Bay

Day 3: Dorian Bay How miniature we look against the backdrop of untouched mountains

Dorian Bay

Day 3: Dorian Bay One of the Zodiacs heading back early to the ship

Dorian Bay

Day 3: Dorian Bay And taking a little tour of the icebergs

Dorian Bay

Day 3: Dorian Bay And back to the ship we go

11.30 AM: Back to the ship, just in time for lunch. We sat with Adrian and Vladimir, who told us more about their experience with Antarctica and clarified everyone’s role on the expedition team. Although Adrian (Professor Adrian) studied Antarctica history for years, this was his first time visiting the continent. It must definitely be worth it to go as part of an expedition crew rather than copping out and joining a tourist group. Vladimir, on the other hand, has been working the longest in the field with 13 years of Antarctic journeying.

We hear that we’re soon going to attempt to cross the Lemaire Channel, which is also known as “Kodak Gap” for its sweeping, scenic views.

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Day 3: Damoy Hut

7.00 AM: Early breakfast at 7:30AM breakfast, and then it’s time to prep for a 9AM landing.

Ocean Nova docked at Dorian Bay

Day 3: Dorian Bay Ocean Nova docked at Dorian Bay.

Argentine ship docked at Dorian Bay

Day 3: Dorian Bay An Argentine ship docked at Dorian Bay.

9.00 AM: Zodiac over to the shores of Dorian Bay, where we’ve anchored for now. Located on shore are two research huts – one belonging to the Argentines, the other to the British. This is one of the few places where you can find British and Argentine buildings co-existing peacefully. The pissing contests between the researchers of Chile, Argentina and Great Britain over the claims of the peninsula make Antarctica history rather entertaining.

Argentine and British research huts at Dorian Bay

Day 3: Dorian Bay Argentine and British research huts, side by side.

Although the British hut seemed pretty cozy, I can’t imagine living there for extended periods of time. Granted, modern research bases probably have a bit more advanced forms of bathrooms (this hut hasn’t been in use for a while).

Inside the British hut at Dorian Bay

Day 3: Damoy Hut Preserved kitchenware in the British hut, which has been turned into a historic location.

Inside the British hut at Dorian Bay

Day 3: Damoy Hut Good to know their priorities are straight.

Inside the British hut at Dorian Bay

Day 3: Damoy Hut Homemade Fidopoly board – if I remember correctly, the Jail square represents the Argentine hut.

Inside the British hut at Dorian Bay

Day 3: Damoy Hut A closer look at the living quarters inside the hut.

Inside the British hut at Dorian Bay

Day 3: Damoy Hut Such comfy looking bunk beds.

Inside the British hut at Dorian Bay

Day 3: Damoy Hut More bunk beds.

Inside the British hut at Dorian Bay

Day 3: Damoy Hut And supplies.

Inside the British hut at Dorian Bay

Day 3: Damoy Hut And we’re back in the cozy kitchen.

Inside the British hut at Dorian Bay

Day 3: Damoy Hut Canned provisions.

Inside the British hut at Dorian Bay

Day 3: Damoy Hut The guestbook inside the hut.
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