Day 12: Elephant Island

Jerry, Jan, John, Pat, Della, Jim, Nicki, Bob, and Chuck (Fran, unfortunately, was missing)

Cape Wild

Glacier next to Cape Wild

Today was proclaimed “The Boss Day” onboard the Minerva. That’s the name that his men gave to Sir Ernest Shackleton. This morning, we had lectures about glaciers and Shackleton in preparation for our anchored visit (no one left the ship) to Elephant Island’s Point Wild, where Shackleton left 20 of his men to spend a winter in April 1916 while he and five others went for help. Three of those six were later left at a whaling station on South Georgia, while Shackleton and the two remaining men continued on foot across a mountain range knowing there would be help on the other side. He returned to save all his men through much heroic effort, determination, and positive leadership. The rescued men had not been on land in over a year. We cannot fathom how they were able to survive. Shackleton by Frank Worsley or Endurance by Alfred Lansing will give you the full adventure. They are great reads.

The whole ship was out on deck taking photos in front of the glacier next to Cape Wild. We even snapped a picture of the Cruise Specialists group on board. Hot white (glacier) chocolate was served on the outside pool deck. The entire ship’s contingent was out under the beautiful blue skies and sunshine. It did snow a bit yesterday and last night…but this is the Antarctic. We could see snow on the rocks onshore, but none of the white stuff stuck to the ship. What a blessing this fabulous weather has been!

By the way, the plastic bags or shower caps on everyone’s camera protect the cameras from the sea spray and salty air. All cameras also must be worn on lanyards around our necks.