Return to Antarctica - 2015

The weather was good so we were able to sail close to Elephant island and see where Shackleton and his men spent several months.

Spent the day mostly up on the top deck in the library reading and enjoying the ocean going by. Very relaxing. Randy finished his third book, The Martian, which was really good. Had dinner with Kelly and Dennis, then went back to our cabin to watch some more of The Newsroom and sleep.

Quiet day at sea…..

Started the day at Elsehul where we took a zodiac ride. We experienced pretty much every type of weather within a one hour span: clouds, wind, rain, small hail, snow, bright sunshine. Saw macaroni penguins, so cute! Also a large swarm of baby fur seals all swimming around just offshore of the island. After lunch we moved to Prion Island. On the way we were treated to a couple of blue whales swimming past the boat. At Prion island we went ashore to see some nesting Albatross.

Woke up at Salisbury Plain, home to the second largest King Penguin colony in the world. Went ashore before sunrise and were treated to a freshly snow dusted beach in the warm glow of sunrise. Walked down to the massive king penguin rookery, absolutely huge. Went back to the ship for breakfast, then back ashore for more time with the waddlers. Listened to the wonderful kazoo sounds. Did more interviews for PNN, then just hung out on the beach for a couple of hours. In the afternoon the ship headed for Fortuna Bay on the other side of the island.