Sunday, March 9, 2014

Penguins at Petermann Island

Another day sees us at a large Gentoo penguin colony on Petermann Island. The weather is still extreme but we again put on our many layers to go ashore.
The Gentoo are just so cute! We are told not to approach closer than 5 metres but the penguins don't follow the rules. They are naturally inquisitive and delightful.
Two chicks resting in the sun! We can now identify the different species and the different stages of development.
Slices of rock. Just like toast. Weathering Antarctic style








Our ship. It needed to reanchor several times during our landing

The British sold this base to the Ukraine for $1.00 We alternated between zodiac cruising and landing

Two intrepid explorers reach the top. Wonderful views.

With Falcon Scott Grandson of Robert Falcon Scott one of the experts in residence. We have shared a meal with him and attended his first lecture. The other expert in residence is Jonathon Shackelton the cousin of Ernest. He has become a friend and has given us lots of advice. His cousin made 3 trips to Antarctica and died on the last. Jonathon has made 35 and is still going strong

2 comments:

Miss Di said...

I think the Gentoo are the cutest too. How lovely that the experts in residence are so friendly and helpful.

xoxo
Di

Amanda said...

Cute chick.
That penguin isn't too bad either.