Adventures in 2017

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.

This day was a hard one emotionally for me. One there is elation to see Shackleton’s grave and walk the last 6km of his journey to safety and rescue. It was counterbalanced by seeing the remnants of a site devoted to the wholesale slaughter and processing of whales.

Gold harbour: we have just entered a David Attenborough film set. Words escape me and I try to keep my eyes dry. Is this a dream ?

Our trip from Elephant island was surprisingly smooth. We could eat our meals without spilling drinks, losing cutlery and tripping over. It was a little wavy but nowhere near what I expected.