Antarctica Swimming on Deception Island

We woke up very early to enjoy a hot bit of hot springs on Deception Island. This island is volcanic, and the thermal activity warms up the water just below the surface. If you dig the sand away from the shore, you release boiling hot water. Then you have to dig channels to allow the freezing cold ocean water -- and mix the perfect water temperature. We spent quite a bit of time enjoying the warm water. We would dive into the freezing cold water, and then run quickly back to our warm haven. We all dried off, and then packed up to eat breakfast. We then moved to a different point on the island and went for a long walk. It was a perfect way to end our journey. I boarded the last zodiac leaving the island. It was sad knowing this was my last time on shore. I was full of remorse while we watched Deception Island get smaller as the boat sailed off for the Drake Passage.