3 January 2011

South Shetland Islands: Deception Island

We wake up early to witness our passage through the narrow gap of Neptunes Bellows to Deception Island.  The collapsed volcanic cone, now allows for a safe harbour, despite the fact it is considered to be a restless caldera with a significant volcanic risk.  The island is the site for the first flight from Antarctica, which took off from the old whaling station here at Whalers Bay.  JPEGS  2010 30 Deception Island-9The name Neptunes Bellows come from the strong winds that blow through here.  The gap in the volcano wall is just 230m wide and has been the site of many tragic stories but we appear to sail through effortlessly. 

As we pass Whalers Bay, we reflect on the history of the Whaling industry in Antarctica.  Floating factory ships, catcher ships and shore stations made up the whaling industry in JPEGS  2010 30 Deception Island-77these waters where whales were slaughtered and its blubber, meat and bones were processed for oil. Sadly, the industry was carried out in a completely unsustainable way that led to the decline of whales for ever from these waters.

It is interesting and exciting to be standing on an JPEGS  2010 30 Deception Island-72active volcano in Antarctica.  The landscape is different to anything we have seen before and we are given the option of going hiking and a chance to go on a hike and stretch our legs before our sea voyage back to Argentina through the dreaded Drake Passage.  2010 12 30 Deception Island The landscape is beautiful and it is wonderful to hike up high and survey the lay of the land spread out below us.  JPEGS  2010 30 Deception Island-33

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Once at the top of the ridge, we get together for a group picture.  The team throw their hands in the air.  It has been another wonderful day and we are all on a high.

JPEGS  2010 30 Deception Island-69

You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself one.

~James A. Froude

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