From the South Shetland Archipelago, we sailed overnight through the Bransfield Strait to Linblad Cove in Charcot Bay. Linblad Cove was recently named in honor of the memory of Lars-Eric Lindblad, the man who pioneered Antarctic expedition cruises in 1966 and founder of Linblad Expeditions. The cove is surrounded by spectacular mountains and three immense glaciers that produce lots of icebergs. The waters here are unchartered so the ship moved slowly through the ice. Leopard and Fur Seals could be seen resting on bergy bits as well as a few penguins. Zodiaks were lowered so we could cruise among the bergs.The waters were swarming with krill which is the lifeblood of most of the wildlife found in Antarctica.

Despite the overcast and snowy conditions, the zodiak tour was spectacular. We got up close and personal with leopard seals laying on the ice. Their name is appropriate given their leopard- like spots and predatory nature. They feed on penguins and fur seals swimming in the ocean, though they didn't seem to mind our presence.

Cruising by icebergs in our zodiak really emphasized how large they are. Wind and waves caused interesting markings and arches on the bergs. What a nice surprise to have a zodiak come alongside and offer hot chocolate with a choice of whiskey or peppermint schnapps so we could toast Mr. Linblad.

For more photos of Linblad Cove, go to Linblad Cove Photo Gallery. To read about the next location visited, go to Mikkelson Harbor.

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