LYN GOODMAN'S TRIP TO ANTARCTICA

This cruise was to the most remote and pristine land that we know. We sailed on the Sea Explorer 1 - 70 crew and 93 passengers. Using zodiacs (rubber duckies) we visited colonies of penguins, seals & birds, visited modern & abandoned stations, and Shackleton’s grave. Dressing for these adventures took at least 20 minutes each time requiring several layers of clothing. We sailed past icebergs several km long, watched many sea birds especially albatrosses following the ship & saw whales. And yes, one afternoon I took a polar plunge! I think the best way to give an idea of my experience is to outline one day. Tuesday March 8th 2016 – AM- in South Georgia. A 100 miles long island with snow covered mountains. Landed in Cooper Bay—sloshed onto a stony beach. Little pup seals frolicking between a rocky outcrop and the shore. I hiked up a steep hill through mud, slush, penguin poo and tussock grass to see Macaroni penguins. That was hard work in all the layers of gear. Then a zodiac ride around several bays. More penguins and seals, oh, an unusual white seal and pipit birds (the only song birds here). In the distance a leopard seal grabs a penguin for food—tossing it in the air playing like a cat does with a mouse. P.M- Gold Harbour. Walked amongst 100s of King Penguins. They are stately, colourful and endearing. They use their flippers to wack an intruder—wop bop. Standing on the tussock grass at the back of the beach you could see grey chicks and other adults with their single egg tucked under the flap near their feet. Someone saw an egg hatching. Young inquisitive seal pups all around too. If they run towards you lift your arms to a T shape - that will stop them. About 10 Elephant seals were lying in a wallow flicking sand over themselves. Occasionally they lumbered around and their fatty blubber rippled up and down. Best excursion so far.