Things to Avoid in Antarctica

Bow of the Polar Star in snow conditions. Antarctica. Canon 5D Mark II, 24-105mm f/4L (24mm), 1/100 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 800

I’ll be making a few more entries about my recent trip to Antarctica, along with some photos and notable stories. While there is much to see and many experiences to embrace in Antarctica, there is certainly one that should be avoided at all costs. We traveled in very reliable 260+ foot icebreaker, but that can be a little dot when compared with some of the icebergs that float around those waters. The bridge of the ship was open to passengers, and it was a great place to view the surroundings, as well as observe the techy instrumentation that made the vessel navigate with success. However, one realizes that a lot of trust is placed in the hands of the captain and crew when you look out the window while passing giant icebergs, barely visible in heavy fog and snow conditions. That little radar monitor becomes a great big friend. The first image of a giant tabular iceberg, miles in length, is pretty easy to see and avoid, but smaller ones, either in dark or foggy conditions, require more critical navigation maneuvers.