I filmed so much great media during my “Antarctica II” exploration that I was able to edit five Reports and still have a lot left over. So, here is another installment of “Deleted Scenes” which didn’t “make the cut” but are still worth sharing from The Voyage of Macgellan. Enjoy!
With very few exceptions, Albatross are endemic to the Southern Ocean where steady, uninterrupted wind patterns around the Antarctic continent give them the means to use their unmatched soaring abilities -- and their two meter wingspans! -- to search far and wide for food. Aloft and at sea for as long as three weeks at a time -- and covering some 7,000 miles of ocean in the process -- these birds have the agility to skim the turbulent water surface, dodge windswept waves and fly in the face of powerful gales with grace and ease. To watch them earn their living is an awesome and magical experience. Although filming these fast, agile birds -- as they maneuver in three dimensions -- from the deck of a rolling and pitching ship was at the extreme limit of my camera’s capability -- and well beyond my own! -- I was able to capture enough usable video to edit this Report. Although it is a bit “technically challenged”, I think it will give you a sense of the beauty that is the Albatross. (Many thanks, yet again, to my good friend Stephen Jacob for another fabulous piece of music!)
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South Georgia Island is an extraordinary place and a highlight of The Voyage so far. Its geology and geography are awesome, its wildlife is amazing and its history -- both natural and human -- is astonishing. Out of all my memorable experiences there, interacting “up close and personal” with King Penguins was my favorite. Fortunately, these remarkable creatures are sufficiently outgoing, curious and seemingly in love with having their pictures taken that I was able to get some really great video. I hope you enjoy this Report about “The King & I” (A Penguin Classic).
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When we landed at the the British Antarctic Survey Base on Signy Island in the South Orkney Islands, we were informed that all of the scientists had left for the season and that only the facilities staff -- who were in the process of closing down the base for the winter -- remained on site. While my fellow passengers went off to look at penguins I asked for a tour of the base's "systems" and was rewarded with an excellent, private tour. Here is my Report on one man's "Summer Job."
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Cruising the ice near Snow Hill Island was astonishing. I shot a lot of video but wasn't sure how to present it until I thought of a beautiful piece of music called "Power Ice" that was written and performed by my good friend Annastasia Workman. It seems to me the music and video are just right together for this Report. I hope you agree! (Thanks Annastasia... You rock!)
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The weather was fabulous for our landings inside the flooded volcanic caldera known as Deception island. Clear skies, warm sun, moderate temperature and lack of wind combined to make it feel a little like a day at the beach. So, here's a Report I have entitled "South Beach." Enjoy! (Note: Although the geothermal activity may make the lava sand a bit steamy, it does absolutely nothing whatsoever to warm up the water which remains barely above freezing. A "full dunk" here qualifies as a legitimate Antarctic swim!)
Here’s a second installment of video clips that didn’t “make the cut” for use in any Reports but are worth sharing before being off-loaded and sent to storage. I hope you enjoy these “Deleted Scenes” from The Voyage of Macgellan.
There’s nothing like a 4x4 ride through beautiful and difficult terrain. If you’re ever in Ushuaia, I recommend you check out Nunatak Adventures and take their 4x4 day trip. Special thanks to my driver, Seba, for his skills behind the wheel and behind the camera.
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Adult penguins are attentive and tolerant parents. Sometimes, though, the young -- whose snapping at their beaks triggers a reflexive regurgitation -- can be just a little too persistent and demanding for feeding. At Paradise Harbor, Antarctica, I captured this video sequence which follows the process from adorable start to acrimonious finish. An homage to the challenges of parenthood from The Voyage of Macgellan!
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During our first Antarctic landing -- at the Arctowski Station on King George Island -- I was in the right place at the right time to capture this video. Penguins have got to be among the world’s most amusing animals, and this little character is no exception. Why did the penguin cross the road? You’ll find out in this delightful little Report from The Voyage of Macgellan!
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