The FRAM spent the morning heading south and soon after we
crossed the Antarctic Circle King Neptune appeared as we had entered the
southern reaches of his Kingdom. He was not pleased with our unexpected entry
into his Kingdom but he was willing to be forgiving IF those who had not
entered this part of his realm before – became his subjects by being initiated
with a dousing of cold water. Many of us were initiated and now we are pleased
that our new King is happy and will let us continue south with fair winds and
following seas.
Soon after the initiation we arrived near Detaille Island. A
scouting expedition went ashore and returned with the news that a safe shore
landing was not possible. So instead Karin the expedition leader turned the
page to plan 2. We would all be able to go cruising in our Polarcirkle boats
among the many grounded icebergs that are nearby. The cruising trips were often
different as some followed whales, others photographed castle-like icebergs and
some saw several seal lounging on pieces of old sea-ice.
As the day closed we began our journey south toward
Stonington Island and Horseshoe Island.
