Finale in South Georgia at Salisbury plain.

It was our last day on South Georgia. We were promised a big finale with the second largest population of penguins and other wildlife in South Georgia at Salisbury plain. The photography group got up for another 3:30am morning outing to capture some albatross chicks on an island. The weather determined that landings and further Zodiac trips in this area will not be happening. The wind picked up to over 45 knots, making it quite dangerous. The view from the ship was good, giving us an extensive sight of a seemingly endless population of seals and penguins on the long beach front and inland. It was quite a sight to behold.

We had plan A, B, C, and D where D was head off to the Falklands. Plan B2 - Elsehul bay won out with as the captain managed to navigate the ship far into the bay and get a good anchorage. It was still windy and a bit of a challenge to paddle in but we had a a good day for our finale.

On the bow we were assisted by some sheathbills (David called then ‘shit’ birds, and it took me a while to remember what their real names were ! Sheathbills are scavengers, so maybe the misnaming kind of applies. )

Tensions run high amongst the seals as they try to protect their own personal space on a congested plot of land.

The king penguins have a small colony here as they have to vie with the seals for a very small amount of space.

The kelp weed is as amazing underwater as it is on top. I was hoping to capture a seal swimming through it, but they too fast and I was too afraid of dropping the camera. I tried to break a piece and gave up, you do not want to get entangled without a sharp knife that is for sure.

Kelp is fascinating as it swirls in and out with the wave like spaghetti or the the flowing tresses of a young lady sweeping over her shoulder.

It was fun paddling into a sea cave and listening to the roar of the sea as it tries to make entry through a small opening at the end. Unfortunately my camera started having difficulties focussing, possibly due the cold affecting the battery power. Many photos after this were trashed.

Apparently about 1% of the fur seals are blonde, the pups shine white.

On the open sea to keep us entertained on ship, Chris Bray gave us a detailed story of his pioneering trip into the arctic with his then fiancée Jess, I found a link to an article here. When his documentary dvd is out for sale, it would be worth a purchase. Gary gave us a presentation on whales and Steve on the history of whaling. Dr Peter encouraged those of us who are bored country doctors to join the Antarctic club for a poorly paid but exciting polar vocation – kind of reminds me of Shackleton’s advert, (though women are permitted and encouraged these days) – he had to learn how to use the Zodiacs and had a crash course in dentistry. Sign me up, I sure once I work out where the heart and appendix is located I’ll qualify !

The open sea journey to the Falklands was its most excited for the whole voyage. The winds picked up and the boat was rocking a bit as it pounded into the waves. We have been lucky all trip, so a day of bouncing in scheme of things wasn’t too bad (though some would think otherwise !) There is a saying on cruises “the more you pay, the more you sway”. So true on this vessel, I was situated in the twin share on the 3rd deck, it rolled far less than the 4th and 5th decks being positioned at a higher level.