2025_26 Oosterdam, Antarctica Day 5, Part 2 of 2

 As a result of an itinerary change for this cruise due to port congestion in the Falklands we received an extra bonus day in Antarctic. And this team under Captain Kevin Beirnaert, made the most of this incredible opportunity.  Leaving Dallmann Bay we travelled through Neumayer Channel. The channel is 16 miles in length and often described as a "maze" with no visible exits, it offers intimate, close-up views of glaciers, icebergs, penguins and whales. Leaving Neumayer Channel we arrived at Port Lockroy on Goudier Island. Port Lockroy is a historic British base and Antarctica's most visited site, famous for its Penguin Post Office, the most southerly operational post office in the world. Operated by the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust, this former 1940s military base is now a museum, gift shop, and functional post office…2200 postcards from the Oosterdam were dropped this morning. The island is home to a large colony of Gentoo penguins, which are monitored to study the impact of human presence. After spending some time at Port Lockroy, we entered the Lemaire Channel around noon. Steep cliffs line the passage. Being a clear day, the water in the channel reflects the surrounding cliffs and majestic glaciers like a blue mirror. Considered one of the most photogenic spots in Antarctica, a common moniker for the channel is ‘Kodak Alley'.  Due to the amount of ice in the channel we were forced to turnaround…We did make it halfway before returning and the scenery was as captivating as expected. After exciting the channel our ship headed north to Palmer Station. Palmer Station is one of three United States research stations and the only U.S. station on the continent located north of the Antarctic Circle and operates year-round. Well, that concludes our Antarctica adventures for this year. Three times to the Antarctic and every trip was different, had its highlights and we thoroughly enjoyed each adventure…We are truly blessed to be on this journey. Antarctica holds a special place for me…It is a rugged, awe-inspiring adventure to see remote wilderness, extraordinary natural beauty as well as a photographer's dream! Finally, Captain Kevin Beirnaert is the absolute best Captain I have ever sailed to the Antarctic with…it was a great pleasure to have met and sailed with him over the past four months. It was am absolute incredible experience these last 5 days…  The best I’ve ever experienced and I am completely worn out from pushing myself to seize the opportunity to make the most of it…  Freaking awesome experience!!!!