I nearly didn’t write this post, tempted to leave it with Danco Island. I couldn’t resist sharing more whale photos though! As we headed out into the Drake passage from Dalmann Bay, we came across a pod of Killer Whales and a Humpback Whale that appeared to be accompanying them.

The Killer Whales were very curious, and played around the bow of the ship for some time. It was fun (if nerve-wracking) to hang over the railings and photograph them as they came by! The wind was rising again as we left the shelter of the Peninsula, and the sea stirred up into frothy waves.

These little birds – Storm Petrels – are some of my favourite pelagic birds. They’re absolutely tiny, and made for the sea. I had been trying for a photo our whole journey, but because they are so small and often didn’t approach the ship, it had been a mission. I’m still keen to get closer-up photographs, but this one I like – the little bird against the rough sea.

Ice still dotted the water, bergs of varying sizes stalwart against the wind. A Southern Giant Petrel joined us as we headed off, leaving the whales behind.

A wave from a whale tail (a humpback tail!), and a last look at the icebound shores of the Peninsula. I’ll confess to getting quite emotional as we were leaving. Antarctica had grabbed me, and hasn’t let go, even months later. I’m not sure it ever will. Having spent time in such a wild, isolated land, I wasn’t looking forward to returning to the human bustle and the long trip home. 

The Southern Giant Petrel soared right up next to the ship, close enough to touch, powering through the rising wind. For me it was a farewell. The wind became a gale, throwing spray up onto the deck as the waves grew. Eventually, we were driven inside to the bridge by wet snow, and Antarctica disappeared behind us into the mist.