Updates by Ellie
Gloriously calm conditions this morning tempted the camera nerds among us back to yesterday’s incredible landing spot, keen to see what sparkly ice gems the new tide might have delivered – and obviously also for another episode of penguin chick slap-stick! Sam was particularly excited to capture more slow-mo, 4K footage of projectile penguin poo (modern art is getting weirder).
But a fierce wind whipped up in the wrong direction just as we left the boat, making the landing impossible this time – a good reminder that the weather is king down here, and that you have to soak up every moment while you can. Instead we settled for an up-close-and-personal zodiac cruise in front of the gigantic glacier, some jousting elephant seals, and a spot of windy sunbathing on deck. It’s a hard life.
After lunch we headed out of Yankee Harbour, towards Half Moon Island. The wind had really picked up by now so, once anchored, we had a soggy zodiac ride out to our landing spot – a huge chinstrap penguin colony, which delivered yet more comedy gold. One skillful beach pick-up later (involving some particularly impressive seal and wave-dodging heroics from the crew) and we were back on board, G&Ts in hand, tucking into more of Janey’s awesome cooking.
Onwards to King George Island tomorrow, and we’re all trying to pretend the trip isn’t coming to an end…