The Polar Plunge

It was 6:30 am after an overly, unexpectedly intense 36 hours in Antarctica. We had just gotten back on our ship from our overwhelming camping trip. The ambiance of the restaurant, full of campers, was exactly that. Pure exhaustion. We sipped on some coffee before retreating to our cabins. We hadn’t slept since 5 am the day before.

Shortly after we laid down, an announcement came on that the conditions outside were not good and that we would just be sailing to another location that morning. I think every camper could have told you that given what they just experienced. But I was glad that I wouldn’t be missing any activities. I fell into a deep, deep sleep instantly.

Three hours later, another announcement was made. “Attention. Attention. While we cannot get out the zodiacs to go to land, we will be doing the Polar Plunge in 15 minutes. We will be doing the Polar Plunge in 15 minutes. Please meet in the gangway if you will be participating.”