After suiting up…..thermals top and bottom, shirt and waterproof trousers, thick sweater and neck warmer, 2 pairs of thick socks, polar parka and polar over trousers, 2 pairs of gloves, explorer boots, life jacket and camera backpack ! we waddled out to the Marina waiting for our Zodiac.

Luckily it was warm, at -3 plus a wind chill factor. Our Guide Mark explained it could be down to -16 here on some trips, with the boat spray freezing on the parkas.

It was a perfect evening for a cruise, a slight swell and short ride before entering the ice.

It was a serene, and surreal moment. Gently bobbing up and down as we threaded our way through the ice, gently pushing larger pieces away.

Le Soleal gradually disappeared, soon it was just us floating along as we spotted a seal and penguins in the distance.

After an hour we exited the ice to find Le Soleal in the distance. It’s amazing how fast the pack moves with wind and currents.

All too soon it was our time to disembark. A quick dash to the cabin with dinner at 9pm. Then a musical trivia quiz to 11:30 and bed at midnight along with the setting sun. Fortunately we didn’t have to get up with it….as it rose 40 minutes after setting ! An UNFORGETTABLE day, and just what we needed after 3 days at sea.