2015-03-16: Half Moon Island

In the morning, we readied ourselves for our first landing on Half Moon Island. Once the conditions (wind) had improved to allow to be set ashore, we jumped into the zodiacs, and vanished into the thick fog. Don’s GPS broke down, so our boat headed for the wrong side of the island. Eventually, and after having taken the scenic route, we made to the landing spot.

Some seals expected us howling and burping.  We then walked over the island to a colony of cute  chinstrap penguins. Amongst them, there was a rare macaroni penguin — probably the only one on the island. We then  zig-zaged back over the  seal infested beach, and headed home for a cup of hot chocolate.  Back on board, we learned that a Perla, a Mexican diver, had a diving accident during a checkout dive. Her condition was not live threatening, but we we would need to detour to King George Island to fly out to a hospital. I hope she has not lasting injuries.

Noon position: 62° 35’S 59° 53’W; Wind W Force 4; Sea state 2; Air  3 °C

 

MS Ortelius Vanishing in the Fog
MS Ortelius Vanishing in the Fog

 

Antarctic Explorers that we are !
Antarctic Explorers that we are !

 

Colony of Chinstrap Penguins
Colony of Chinstrap Penguins (Before you see them, you smell them)

 

More Penguins
More Penguins

 

Howling Seal
Seal Posing for a Foto

 

Track on Half Moon Island
Track on Half Moon Island

One thought on “2015-03-16: Half Moon Island”

  1. Hi Tilman,
    Die Bilder brauchen zwar ein Weilchen, bis die hochgeladen sind (kann aber auch an unserer lahmen Technik liegen), aber was Du so vor die Linse bekommst, ist echt beeindruckend!
    Hier kommt der Frühling, Conny und ich haben uns heute (Donnerstag!) einfach frei genommen und sind nach Bremgarten geflogen. Schön war’s! Nun sitzen wir faul auf der Terrasse und genießen die letzten Sonnenstrahlen.
    Dir weiter viel Spaß!

    Gruß,
    T&C

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