Stern Landing at Snow Point, The Shetland Islands to see elephant seals.

We were on the second boat out at 7:30 am. Just getting dressed for an event is quite an undertaking. We were trying to time it this morning and decided that while it probably only takes ten minutes to dress, the strength required is extreme. We put on layer over layer, easy layer requiring an extra tug. Then comes the pants which aren’t hard at all. Pants first, then the boots, but before putting on the boots, add socks. Three pairs at least. The knee-high boots must fit under the pant legs in case you step into deep water. Next comes the jacket (either Polar Tec or their puffy jacket) followed by their very heavy waterproof jacket with a hood. I have found that putting a packet of Hot Hands in each of my jacket pockets is perfect for controlling the cold around here. Having free hands is important for taking photos. Then, on top of the hug jacket comes the life preserver, always mandatory. That needs to be buckled and cinched down tight. Additionally, come hats (I’m up to wearing three at a time!) and a waterproof backpack and phone around my neck, easily accessible.

So, all ready to go, we headed down to mid-ships and boarded our Zodiac for shore. This was to be our last landing of the trip and the only one that we would do stern first. The crew was waiting in the water for us when we got there, chest-high, wearing dry suits. (Remember the warnings about staying in the water.) They pulled our boat close enough to shore that we could exit one at a time via the stern, jumping into calf-high water and walking easily on the sandy beach. Once again, Viking did a perfect job. No catastrophes. John and I walked up the beach to photograph elephant seals and whale bones, watch the seals a bit, and then back to the zodiac for me. I had a private ride back to the ship so the professional photographer offered to take a picture of me with my own camera.

This is a vacation with plenty of excitement, but gladly plenty of downtime— between terrific lectures and fine dining!

After a quiet afternoon, while we waited for the film crew to finish all their onsite filming, we left Snow Island and took the Shetland Islands to port to sightsee and benefit from their lee until 9 pm when we passed through the channel and into the Drake Passage where we are assured of a rough passage. Oh goodie, “The Drake Shake.” Let’s see how rough it gets!!