Live from the Wind(s) of Antarctica. Dec. 19, 2023.

[twangster]

Penguins!  Everywhere!

 

 

 

 

 

 

[twangster]

There are also Black-browned Albatross.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[twangster]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[twangster]

The cliff face all around is loaded with breeding birds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[twangster]

Not to be outdone for cuteness, the penguins have something to show.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[twangster]

Imperial Cormorants are also eager to steal the show.

 

 

 

But who can resist penguins!

 

 

 

 

[twangster]

I have a bunch of photos beyond what I posted here but soon enough it was time to head back to the landing site.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[twangster]

There is a museum and gift shop at the landing site.

 

I forgot to bring cash or card so no retail therapy for me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[twangster]

 

 

 

Taxi!

 

[twangster]

I used my waterproof 360 camera for the ride back. 

 

The zodiac driver warned us heading into the wind will result in more sea spray.  He was right.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[twangster]

Back on the ship we all had a turn on the boot wash machine.  

 

 

 

Summary courtesy of my Apple Watch.  I forgot to start it at the beginning of the landing site.

 

[twangster]

Day Three - Afternoon, West Point Island

 

During lunch we've made our way to our second stop for today.

 

 

The wind is pretty strong and we sailed through through strong currents on the way here but the ship handled it very well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They've just come over the PA system to state the winds are over 30 knots and they are sending out a scout to assess the situation on land.  There are operational guidelines with respect to environmentals and we may be pushing the threshold to perform a zodiac landing safely.

 

Edited December 21, 2023 by twangster

[twangster]

While we are waiting to hear if we'll land at West Point Island, here is the Day 3 Chronicle:

 

21 DEC - New Islands and West Point Islands.pdf

[twangster]

Update: Looks like we are proceeding with the planned zodiac landing.

[Host Jazzbeau]

You must have a fast internet connection!  Great photos!

[Neilio]

Amazing Photos. Thanks for taking all the time to post these. My wife and I have been thinking of doing this type cruise and your pics and descriptions really brings it home. Enjoy and Safe Travels!

 

Neilio

[twangster]

Leaving late but we finally departed for West Point Island at 3:30pm.  

 

 

 

It's a lot of uphill walking.  For those that can't do the hike they offer limited vehicle service.

 

 

 

Most of the uphill is in the first 20 minutes.

 

 

Austral Thrush

 

 

 

Hiking in bog boots added a new twist to a hike like this.

 

 

 

Finally we made it to the nesting site.

 

[twangster]

More Black-browned Albatross.

 

 

More chicks at this nesting site.

 

 

 

 

 

[twangster]

There were many Albatross soaring above and buzzing the colony close to ground but not landing.  I suspect this was part of the ritual to find a mate, a bit of showing off.

 

 

 

 

Definitely some mating rituals on display.

 

 

 

Some birds of prey looking for a meal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[twangster]

 

This poor guy had one leg.

 

 

More Rockhopper penguins.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[twangster]

The hike back was a little easier.

 

 

 

 

Felton's flower.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our guide pointed out the wind blown trees.  The Falkins are known for their winds.  These trees didn't grow this way, they were pushed this way.

 

[twangster]

 

The Tea House.  

 

 

 

Unfortunately the group before us took forever to load the zodiacs on the way here and we lost a lot of time.  We had 10 minutes at the nesting site and by the time we reached the Tea House they were closing it.

 

 

 

 

Time to head back to the ship.

 

 

[twangster]

More 360 camera fun on the zodiac ride back.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[twangster]

Nothing like coming back to hot chocolate and other beverages to warm you up.

 

[twangster]

Hike summary:

 

 

The elevation profile says it all.  This hike had a larger elevation gain compared to the morning session.