Lying here in bed reading Mawson, awaiting the wake up all –
what will today bring? It’s a calm morning after a rough night in the Gerlache
Strait . Two landings planned. Reflecting how lucky we have been to see so much
sunshine and clear skies, other than day one and partly day two we have had
sunny days - time to get up and get
going again.
We are anchored in Charlotte Bay ready for a landing at
Portal Point. Portal Point was a portal to the Antarctic Continent for early
parties with sledging dogs etc. Wally Herbert and English explorer in the 50’
kicked off his journey from here.
We were on the last zodiac to Portal Point, saw some tiny
fish like things swimming in the rock pool. Alan believed they were some sort
of crustacean.
Then we went in Indian file up the hill to look at the view.
It was pretty deep snow, with lots of stepping into holes and having to pull
foot out and fill it in so penguins don’t fall down the hole.
Took some nice shots with the Aussie flag, some snow ball
fights, a lot of fun with pretty much everyone up on the top with a full 360
degree panoramic view around the point.
Then it was bum slides down ready for a zodiac cruise around
Charlotte Bay, some brief glimpses of Minke whales, some stunning icebergs.
Alan was great at explaining the origin and history of the bergs, given their
shapes and patterns and striations etc.
We came across some cormorants on a berg and then the dead
calm chopped up a bit. Alan ensured we had a bit of dunking on the return
journey. All good fun.
Back to hang out the dripping wet gear, then announcement
that Ship Shop was open, so we bought a few souvenirs. There was a bit of a
shopping frenzy in the bar.
Hydrurga Island, named after latin name for Leopard Seals.
Also from the bridge we were looking north to Christiania Island and Trinity
Island on the right, so we are in effect retracing our steps, funny we would
never know though, it would be dead easy to get lost down here.
Whale watching from the bridge following lunch of nachos, as
we near Hummock Island and our next landing poing – Hydrura Rocks, which houses
a Chinstrap colony.
We wandered onto the island and Hydrurga rocks, we were keen
to the Chinstraps, but were distracted by Kelp Gulls, Whitesheaths, Weddell
Seals, other birds – Northern Giant Petrel, Cape Petrels, Cormorants, Skuas and
regurgitated limpet shells in the rocks.
Eventually we got to photography and watch the Chinstraps
and their chicks, then we wandered further on in an attempt to watch another
colony and to see them tobogganing along on their bellies.
A great Island, we were once again in the last zodiac to
return to ship. Back for a shower then a recap of the expedition so far with
everyone in the bar.
Tomorrow is another early start for our entry into the
Caldera of a Volcano at Deception Island.
Heading up to the top of Portal Point.
Nicple stuck in the now, plenty of giggles and entertainment for all involved, in watching or digging or just enjoying it at Nicole's expense. She is in yellow, stuck up to her thigh. Rob and Karen trying to assist.
The Kayakers, the bit of ice on the left just 'calved' off the berg and the wave washed over the front of the kayak...close call.
Shenanigans at the top, above and below.
Myself, Linda and Mary - Aussies at the top.
ICEBERGS...
This whale came awfully close to the Polar Pioneer.
Chinstrap, can't go a day without cute penguin shots. they are captivating critters.
Gay and her harem of sheathbills at Hydrurga Rocks. She is a 'chick' magnet.
Lazing around as they do - Weddell Seal
Sheathbill.
Lots of calling going on here, not sure if there was a bird overhead, or they just had a lot to say.
Kelp gull above, and the limpets they eat and then regurgitate the shells...below.
Kelp Gull
Penguins and Chicks.
The Kayakers and Linda to the right.
The rear view of a toboganning penguin...loved them toboganning.
Ohh, ahh, having a stretch....then back to sleep on the ice.
walking and sliding down the Penguin highway.
Penguin papparazzi.
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