South Georgia Ecstasy

South Georgia Ecstasy

The fog and mist that has shrouded our ship was ever present as we boarded the Zodiacs to make our way to Salisbury Plain on South Georgia Island. After 2 full days of traveling from the Falklands, we made it in a dense fog that was both ominous and mysterious. As we boarded the Zodiacs, absolutely no land was in sight. Our expedition leader cut the engine every 100 yards or so and had us just listen: we ebbed along and started to hear squawking, animal cries, almost barking and howling type noises from somewhere in the fog. Not being able to see anything, but the faces in front of us, it was totally eerie. We then started to approach what looked like land. As we floated ever so closer, we could make out objects moving on land. We turned the outboard engine back on and with a thrust, made a shore landing with the Zodiac.

Then the wonderment happened: we could make out King Penguins, standing maybe 3 feet tall, waddling towards us! And not just the King Penguins, but Fur Seals of all sizes, and Elephant Seals bellowing out their cries. It. Was. Incredible!! So how many King Penguins were there on Salisbury Plain to greet us?? Only 250,000 with their brown chicks squawking beside them! The beach/plain was literally covered with wildlife, as far as the eye could see (so sorry I can't send photos, but Google King Penguins until I get back to get a sense of how incredible they are). They came inches away, not afraid of man, and the adorable baby seals would waddle right up to you, with big brown eyes and chase you with absolutely no fear. Just incredible!

Then another excursion later in the day - we went to Prion Island, a very rare and fortunate visit for us (most of our leaders, including our world renowned Penguin expert had never been there) to visit the Gentoo Penguin colony and the extremely rare nesting sight of the Wandering Albatross with a wing span of 6 to 7 feet! The ultimate hang gliders. Just an absolutely amazing day, and the mist and fog that enveloped our landings just made it even more mystical and mysterious - otherworldly. It's going to be hard to top a day like today.

Note: Only 5,000 people a year are able to visit the nesting and breeding colonies of South Georgia Island. I feel extremely fortunate to be one of those privileged guests. We'll spend two more days here, including hiking South Georgia and visiting other colonies and nesting sites of other animals. Plus the Museum and grave site of Ernest Shackleton tomorrow.