Early morning start onto the Zodiacs to land at Elephant Island. This is where the survivors stayed for five months waiting for Shackleton’s rescue. We are the first expedition ship to land here this year.
Towering glaciers, ice blue is the colour description. Fine icicles drip from the edges as they drift in the ocean.
The Zodiacs move from ship very easily and return just as easily. Once back at the ship the craft are hoisted up and checked so as to be ready for the next expedition.
Surrounded by icebergs and have just heard that due to the excellent weather conditions we have changed direction and are to visit Penguin Island before going to the Antarctic Peninsula. All being well we land there after dinner this evening. Another wonderful bonus.
After dinner we were called onto the bridge to see a pod of Orcas feeding. I have only ever seen orcas in movies and Sea World in Florida. These were swimming and foraging in ocean, coming up to breathe every now and then. The ship was silent as the captain turned her around so that we could view these magnificent dolphins.
We are now waiting to go on another expedition to Penguin Island. This is another ‘bonus’ excursion. Nine o’clock at night.
What an evening. We landed on the island which was covered in snow. Weddell fur seals lay on the snow with Chinstrap and Adele penguins crouched on the ice. One or two were most curious and poddled over tilted their heads and peered at the passengers.
Back on board and after a cup of hot chocolate we are now ready to sail onto to another amazing area.
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