Three-Years Ago (29-December-2014) — Antarctica

Gone To See Antarctica 2014/5. Hurtigruten Christmas Voyage. Day 13: South Shetland Islands.

The south Atlantic seas and wind calmed considerable overnight. The skies were clear and bright blue. In the morning I was able to tour the bridge of the Hurtigruten MS Fram. As we approached Elephant Island I got this panoramic image using the in camera pano feature of the Fuji X-T1 camera. Since it was so calm, the captain of the ship allowed us to take the small Polarcirkel boats to land at Point Wild on Elephant Island. This was the desolate rocky beach where Ernest Shackleton’s crew survived for 4 months in 1916 while Shackelton managed to sail to South Georgia and ultimately assure their rescue. I assume that the Sheathbill’s and the Penguins would have been on the menu for the sailors during this time.

View from the bridge of the Hurtigruten MS Fram. Image taken with a Leica T camera and 23 mm f/2 lens (ISO 160, 23 mm, f/2. 1/80 sec) Raw image processed with Capture One Pro 8, Focus Magic, and Photoshop CC. (David J Mathre)
View from the bridge of the Hurtigruten MS Fram. Image taken with a Leica T camera and 23 mm f/2 lens (ISO 160, 23 mm, f/2. 1/80 sec) Raw image processed with Capture One Pro 8, Focus Magic, and Photoshop CC. (David J Mathre)
Panoramic view of Elephant Island. Image taken with a Fuji X-T1 camera and 60 mm f/2.4 lens (ISO 200, 60 mm, f/16, 1/500 sec). In camera panorama. (David J Mathre)
Panoramic view of Elephant Island. Image taken with a Fuji X-T1 camera and 60 mm f/2.4 lens (ISO 200, 60 mm, f/16, 1/500 sec). In camera panorama. (David J Mathre)


Author: David Mathre

I am a scientist by training (Eckerd College, BSc; Caltech, Ph.D.). I worked for 27 years as a Chemist in the Pharmaceutical Industry developing processes to manufacture medicines for human and animal health. I now spend my time as a photographer and world traveler. My interests include the natural world, wildlife, landscapes, sky, and seascapes, travel, and astrophotography. I look for unique ways of viewing the world and presenting my images. I have traveled to over 55 countries in six continents, often on Semester at Sea voyages. While at home in New Jersey, I spend time on home renovation and expansion of a wildflower garden/meadow.

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