Land ho!

It’s been three days since we last set foot on soil (or was that rock? snow? penguin guano?). You can imagine our excitement when South Georgia Island was sighted on the horizon just after lunch. We made a very wet landing at Point Rosa. Yes, we’re still on the Shackleton theme. Point Rosa is where Shackleton and five of his men landed after making their crossing in a “refurbished” wooden longboat from Elephant Island. There they rested for a few days, slept in a small cave, and prepared for their trek across the island.

Point Rosa (Shackleton’s “cave” is on the right hand side of the photograph; note the tussock grass, and the “green-ness of it all!)



Although South Georgia Island is separate from Antarctica, it has many similarities. We are still South of the Antarctic convergence, so the waters remain extremely cold with an abundance of krill. There literally is no land within hundreds of miles, so the island is a Mecca for all animals. Many come here to breed, including King, Macaroni, and Gentoo Penguins, albatrosses and other sea birds, elephant seals, fur seals, etc.

Two more species of albatross have been identified: the Grey-Headed and the Light Mantled Sooty Albatross…truly beautiful birds. Southern Giant Petrels are everywhere, including trailing the ship with whalebirds (prions). Check out the petrel chick. The tube on top of its beak drains a salty solution, which is an amazing adaptation to accommodate ingesting seawater.



Our afternoon trek was a little challenging, as a number of elephant seals and fur seals were lounging on the beach and in the tussock grass. You have to be careful not to disturb them, as they can be very aggressive. Apparently fur seals are able to outrun humans. Here is an interesting pair hanging out together on the beach: an elephant seal with a mellow Gentoo Penguin.



Now we are headed to the Northeast side of South Georgia Island, where more adventures await us!