February 23 - Leaving Antarctica

Last night we steamed away from Antarctica and into the Drake Passage. It was a strange goodbye for me and I haven't been able to process my feelings about it yet. I keep mentioning how special this place is and the way that it pulls you in and captures your heart and soul. I wish I could share it with each and every one of you. Last night we had a BBQ out on the back deck with the staff and officers. As a treat, about 10 Humpback whales showed up to give us a goodbye show. They were feeding and it was great to watch them off the stern in our own world without having to interpret or drive zodiacs.

After dinner, the crew had another dance party down in crew mess. It was a nice way to blow off some steam, but I have to admit that I was pretty shattered from the long day and the emotions that I was having trouble processing. In the middle of the party, I took a break and went out on deck by myself. While out there, I saw a bright planet looking object in the sky - the only light out there in the sky. No other stars, nothing. I had no idea what it was, so I went back in and asked Rusty. He came out and told me that it was the Southern star, and then turned to me, smiled and said, "it means winter is here as you only see it in the winter time". I guess that means that the austral summer and the season is officially over. Goodbye Antarctica.