Itinerary:
- Zodiacs to Sea Lion Island to see huge colonies of Gentoo Penguins and Elephant Seals
- Stay Dry!
- Zodiacs to Bleaker Island to see Rock hopper penguins, Rock Shags, and more King Cormorants (Blue Eyed Shag)
- Continue my reputation for being the last person back on the boat
I owe you guys a full story on yesterday, but I’m sorry to tell you to wait another day. We are currently on our way to the best part of the trip: 6 days in South Georgia. It will take us 2 days by sea to get there, so I’ll have plenty of time to write proper recaps on yesterday and today.
I am in absolute awe of the wildlife – it keeps getting better and better. Today began with watching Elephant Seals battle things out for dominance of the beach. I saw baby seals get steam rolled by the 2 ton beach masters and I got to spend some time with a 3-4 week old pup. It is amazing what happens around here when you just sit down and start saying things in an even voice to the wildlife – they come right to you! More about that later.
I walked over 3 miles with about 40lbs of gear on my back this morning to get caught in a nasty storm with sideways sleet, rain, and snow. Cover was over a mile away in a Falklands hotel up a muddy hill and across wet sand. If that wasn’t enough, we then walked over 2 miles to get to a huge Rock Hopper penguin colony in the afternoon….with the same gear on my back, plus some extra clothing just in case. Then, I just finished a very filling, very nice, and very long dinner with Flip Nicklin (National Geographic Photographer) and his wife. I am beat!
Before I post some photos and give in to the effects of the sea-sick pills I just downed I want to share something else. Apparently, some of the guests and crew thought I was part of the staff. I was wondering why I was having trouble getting waited on from time to time and why all these people kept coming up to me asking what an animal’s behavior was or how to use their camera. The funny part is, I have known the answer to every question except one, and that was about the breeding habits of some small bird I have absolutely zero interest in. I figure there are a few things making people think I’m part of the staff:
- I am always talking to one of the actual staff
- I run around with a big white camera lens
- I wear the freebie-tourist parka (which is nice), but typically take it off as soon as we hit shore
- Sometimes I wear my red jacket that looks the same as the staff
- I have a cabin on the main deck all the way at the back of the boat, so only a few people see me going to it (most people are on the lower decks)
Anyway, I thought that was funny because I just found out at dinner tonight.
Well, here are some photos….and….
A big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my sister Lesley! Hope Mom remembered to pass you the card I left for you, and also hope you’re having some fun for your 26th! Another 6 months and I’ve got an extra year on you again. No offense sis, but I’m really not sorry I’m missing your birthday this year 🙂
Whatever...another penguin. Whatever...another human.
King Penguin by his lonesome. Kings don't usually frequent the Falklands in big numbers. According to Kevin Schafer, they never frequent the island we were on. While we were watching a Beach Master fight off a competitor Elephant Seal, this little guy walked up to us from over a sand dune. It was a very special moment for the 4 of us on the beach who were there to witness it. I've got the pictures to prove he was there now!
