Ahead of schedule. Let's go find some penguins
In the mudroom getting ready for our first zodiac ride to shore.
As the Drake Passage was so calm we made it to the South Shetland Islands ahead of schedule. This meant we may be able to take an unexpected excursion in the afternoon. Time to prepare.
This crew is very diligent about the safety of the islands and local wildlife, especially with the seriousness of the Avian Flu. Keeping Avian Flu out of Antarctica is serious business and they made sure we did our part to ensure this does not happen.
Also, to keep Antarctica pristine and void of foreign contaminants such as invasive seeds, every item that was going to shore had to be inspected and vacuumed before we were allowed to take them into the mudroom. The mudroom is the area we disembark the ship and store all the wet gear. We were also briefed on the requirements and expectations while on shore. I was impressed by their thoroughness.
It was a misty day as we passed through the English Channel to Half Moon Island.
The temperature wasn't bad, I believe around zero celsius, however, the wind cooled it down a bit, and then the snow came to add to the chilliness.
Zodiac rescue drill
Once the ship anchored off Half Moon Island, the scouting crew left to find a safe landing spot. Many of us watched as they first did some practice zodiac rescues. We wondered who among the crew was the unlucky one to have to "fall" into the frigid waters to be rescued.
Passengers were assigned group names for going ashore. Our group, the kayak group, was called the Weddells. Weddell Seals live the furthest south of any mammal and can weigh 400 to 600 kg.
Our Waddell group was last to be called to go ashore, awesome, I can't wait. Due to the high winds and water conditions, however, it was unsafe to kayak, so we went ashore with zodiacs.
Norms ready to go on shore.
Our first zodiac ride to shore
Curious seals watch the zodiac approach
Close to shore we were greeted by a couple of playful seals on the rocks. Once on shore, Antarctic Fur Seals were resting on the beach and there were penguins in every direction. There was also a shipwrecked boat on the beach that eerily emphasized the harshness of this environment.
There were groups of adorable Chinstrap Penguins all around us, many still moulting in preparation for the upcoming season. It's pretty clear why they call them Chinstraps.
There were also some Gentoo Penguins checking us out as much as we were watching them. I could have stayed for hours watching these adorable kid-like birds. They seem like they are full of curiosity with quirky personalities.
Other common birds here, the Giant Petrels and Brown Skuas were hanging out as well. Likely looking for their next meal and not nearly as entertaining as the penguins.
Back on board we disinfected and scrubbed every crumb of dirt off our boots, which became routine after each outing to endure there was no cross-contamination from one island to the next.
Our first excursion was an enjoyable success.
