Antarctica--day 2 Wilhelmina Bay
Feb 9, 2024 11:14:53 GMT -5
Post by Huronna on Feb 9, 2024 11:14:53 GMT -5
The royal history of Wilhelmina Bay
Although some of the islands in this bay bear names of famous explorers, it was a young Dutch queen after whom Wilhelmina Bay was named. Belgian explorer Adrien de Gerlache did the naming. No landmarks on the whole west side of the Antarctic Peninsula have been named after the Belgian royal family, in fact, as they did not support de Gerlache’s expedition. The Dutch royal family did, however, so the bay was named after their queen.
Wilhelmina Bay’s wondrous scenery
Wilhelmina Bay is high in the ranks of must-see Antarctic sights, and for good reason: The bay’s sheer ice cliffs and glacial sculpturing epitomize much of the Antarctic experience. Its waters are also sheltered, usually enabling Zodiac cruises between the islands and icebergs.
Before we actually entered the bay, we encountered this iceberg.
And then a gargantuous iceberg started to come into view.
All of the photos were taken inside our suite, actually through the glass sliding doors.
This gives you an idea how close this big guy was.
An here it is in all it's 16 story glory, Yes that is it's height.
Some more of the outstanding views.
There are ice chunks everywhere
And now we exit this area and off to another adventure.
Although some of the islands in this bay bear names of famous explorers, it was a young Dutch queen after whom Wilhelmina Bay was named. Belgian explorer Adrien de Gerlache did the naming. No landmarks on the whole west side of the Antarctic Peninsula have been named after the Belgian royal family, in fact, as they did not support de Gerlache’s expedition. The Dutch royal family did, however, so the bay was named after their queen.
Wilhelmina Bay’s wondrous scenery
Wilhelmina Bay is high in the ranks of must-see Antarctic sights, and for good reason: The bay’s sheer ice cliffs and glacial sculpturing epitomize much of the Antarctic experience. Its waters are also sheltered, usually enabling Zodiac cruises between the islands and icebergs.
Before we actually entered the bay, we encountered this iceberg.
And then a gargantuous iceberg started to come into view.
All of the photos were taken inside our suite, actually through the glass sliding doors.
This gives you an idea how close this big guy was.
An here it is in all it's 16 story glory, Yes that is it's height.
Some more of the outstanding views.
There are ice chunks everywhere
And now we exit this area and off to another adventure.
