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
