Ash layered glaciers and ash layered beaches. Awe inspiring splendour of black and white. Intertwined patterns. Again a charisma of nature I witnessed in mighty Antarctica.
This is the volcanic Antarctica all visible in serene black and dazzling white. Intricately laid as if woven by some master craftsman. A landscape that put me in its trance. Just magical.
Structures of damaged scientific bases lying scattered in black and white panorama.
One kayak looks stunning in black and white vistas.
My ship looked like a beautiful play toy in great setting of blue sky and blue waters with black and white backdrop
People hiking at crater appeared as an integral part of black and white scenery.
And not to forget the spirit of Antarctica, the adorable penguins. Having all the fun at blackish beach with snowy white glaciers, cute penguins in black and white bodies fully merged in black and white surrounding.
Deceptive Indeed
Antarctica, the continent of extremes. The continent with the purest of nature. The continent with the deadly isolation. The continent with towering mountains. The continent with freezing temperatures. And the continent with active volcanoes.
This is my visit to Deception Island in Antarctica. An island made of sea filled caldera of an active volcano. One side black and white beauty to behold but other side I witnessed volcano fury. I saw rusting tanks and boilers. I saw remains of structures. Those were the testimony to all the destruction that took place in volcanic eruptions on Deception Island.
A long hike was planned across the island. Ascending a slippery mountain peak with stones rolling all over. Walking a dangerous trail with volcanic crater on one side. Then a sudden change of weather and I was about to be swept away by storm. Maintaining my balance and keeping me rooted to the ground was uphill task. Though it gave me few anxious moments but I thoroughly enjoyed the thrilling hike.
Deception Island is a natural and safe harbour. This is the only harbour in whole world where ship can directly sail in active volcano.
Deception Island is also known as Whalers Bay used for whaling activities in earlier times and used as base for whaling ships. Later island was used as scientific base by different countries but all were damaged in volcanic eruption of year 1969.
Deception Island is an active volcano with latest eruption in year 1970. The eruption was so fierce that ash fall was seen by research stations situated in far flung islands. Though heavy plume was recorded in year 1987 also but eruption was not confirmed during surveys. Even in year 1991 high seismic activity in Deception Island was confirmed by scientists.
True to its name Deception Island is deceptive indeed where fire plays with ice. And creates havoc when erupts.
Curiosity of Deception Island makes it a very popular destination among travelers to Antarctica.
MY ANTARCTICA ODYSSEY continues ….
How lucky are you to get to visit Antarctica! I never realized it was a volcano. What an incredible trip.
Not whole, only a part of it is volcano.
Oh my, how beautiful are your photos?! Antarica is such a dream trip for me. I can honestly admit that I am terrified to go.
Yes it can be terrifying being in different world but its worth.
Antarctica, what a beauty you are. Away from all the rush of the cities, a place where one can go an forget everything. I am glad you had a chance to visit Antarctica. I would love to go there and maybe just stay there forever. All the pics are just so beautiful.
In its deadly silence stay there to become immortal really I felt so.
Antarctica is such a beautiful place to visit it is on my bucket list of places seeing this photos just want to make me want to go even more
Unparalleled indeed.
AH-Mazing!!! This is SO on my bucket list!! And now its on my middle son’s list too – he is obsessed with little penguins!! What an experience!!
Make it a trip of lifetime with son.
This place is stunning! I love the pictures…fire & ice together makes this indeed Deception 🙂
So true to name Deception Island.
Woah, the contrasts here are truly fascinating, as you said. Fire and ice, side by side in beautiful ways. Interesting facts about the volcano, too!
Absolutely so. Beautiful black and white.
Ashes and snow! It sounds and looks so poetic! You had the most amazing adventure and the pictures you took are marvelous!
Thank you Nati.
I visited Arctic this year and wish to visit Antartica next. Deception Island is magnificent. I wish I can get there soon
Great. Do visit soon.
That is real beautiful – not sure if I could enjoy those kind of places cause I hate the cold – but I do love to see a snow scene 🙂
Freezing cold indeed.
I am following your Antarctica posts and as I read a new one, I get more and more convinced to witness this beauty with my own bare eyes. Lovely pictures
Thank you Sayanti. Witnessing with own eyes is so fulfilling.
WOW! So beautiful! I have always wanted to visit. I didn’t know that about Deception Island being the only harbour where ship can directly sail in active volcano. How amazing!
Absolutely amazing Heather.
It all looks so beautiful and peaceful here. I bet it is so incredible to see first hand.
Absolutely incredible.
Deception Island sounds amazing!! Imagine being on a ship and being able to sail into a volcano! I would love to explore Antarctica one day x
Absolutely so. You must plan a visit to this amazing continent.