Back to Deception Island: but this time, Whaler's Bay: This was a mainstay of the whaling industry in the 1920s. There are still rusting boilers and buildings from the old settlement. Deception is home to large colonies with chinstrap and gentoo penguins. Historically this was also a region for extensive sealing in the 1820s. In 1905, the first whaling ship anchored here, and a massive harvest of whales depleted the stock to such an extent that now only 5% of the original population remains. Port Foster, protected by Deception Island, is the caldera of the old volcano, so the water is a bit warmer, but still freezing. Antarctic "hot springs".
During the night we had sailed from Deception back to Half-Moon, and during lunch, now we have sailed back to land on Deception again. 
As the Orlova sailed into the Bay, you could see a slight steam rising off of the beach, a testament to the cold air mixed with warmer beaches. Skeleton-like buildings and metal structures littered the beach revealing the history of this area and showing the effects of the recent volcanic eruptions. Big whale oil tanks and boilers contrasted the serene, uniform white snow. Piles of whale bones were scattered along the shore enumerating the mass destruction of the early whalers.
During the night we had sailed from Deception back to Half-Moon, and during lunch, now we have sailed back to land on Deception again. As the Orlova sailed into the Bay, you could see a slight steam rising off of the beach, a testament to the cold air mixed with warmer beaches. Skeleton-like buildings and metal structures littered the beach revealing the history of this area and showing the effects of the recent volcanic eruptions. Big whale oil tanks and boilers contrasted the serene, uniform white snow. Piles of whale bones were scattered along the shore enumerating the mass destruction of the early whalers.Wildlife was wondering around the bay, but this afternoon, we were not concerned with our penguin and seal pictures. Our minds were focused on the "hot springs" that we were about to dive into for our Polar Plunge. Our group decided to all go in together, which was awesome. I got Dr. Hendrick to videotape (its up on You Tube... UGA Antarctica Polar Plunge 2008). Definitely the coldest I have ever been in my entire life. The greatest contrast was the icy water, then the piercing sensation on your feet as you run onto the warm rocks of the beach. To relish the moment we spread our towels and lounged for a few short minutes before climing into the zodiacs and heading in for hot showers.
The only thing that stuck out for the rest of the night will only be appreciated by the members of the group. (sorry to drop inside jokes right now) Like Roger saying..."Neptune's Bellows, Angels of the Surf, and Antarcticaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa" But Hannalise made up for it with her "First Dinner of 2008" Announcements.
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