20 September continued ...

My my, you should have seen how I looked dressed for the Zodiac.  Three layers of tops, then the life jacket and then the backpack.  Thermal ear/headband, merino beanie, fleece neck warmer, waterproof pants over jeans, two pairs of socks and the boots.  The on-loan rubber boots are surprisingly comfortable and so, so warm.  Hopefully I will still think they are comfy after a hike or two tomorrow on our "wet" landings.

The zodiac adventure was sensational.  No wind, thank heavens.  I didn't need to use anything from my backpack, but was thankful to have it on to warm my back.  The chill factor when getting closer to the water was incredible.  It even snowed a little while we were out.  At last, I have seen snow falling! The water is so cold that when it snows, the snow does not melt.  It forms slushie patches, known as pancake ice.   (Please imagine Pancake Ice photo inserted here). It is driving me crazy not being able to include photos as I write.  

 It was definitely freezing being so close to the water, but I was relatively warm.  I took a million photos on the DSLR and switched to the GoPro as the snow got heavier/wetter.  I did not want to risk water-damaging the Nikon on the first day out.  Hopefully I have captured a few good ones to share the majesty of the landscape and some exquisite blue ice.  When we returned to the ship, we were handed "hot chocolate" to warm us up.  Decent dash of Scotch was also detected but the adventure was certainly worthy of a celebration.

A couple of interesting lectures today, particularly the one on why global warming (science!) affects the polar region at double the rate.  Two excursions planned for tomorrow so I will aim for an early and becalmed night.