Friday, February 7, 2020

Day 12/34: Friday, February 7, 2020: Half Moon Island, South Shetlands

Half Moon Island is a minor Antarctic island, lying 1.35 km north of Burgas Peninsula, Livingston Island in the South Shetland Islands of the Antarctic Peninsula region. Its surface area is 171 hectares. The Argentine Cámara Base is located on the island. Our Group 8 departed the ship at 11:00 am and we were allowed one hour ashore, which was more than enough.

This island plays hosts to thousands of Chinstrap penguins, also known as "Bobby" penguins.





Some of the zodiacs were engaged in keeping ice bergs away from the ship.








An old whaling boat on the beach, now a historical relic 

There were some fur seals on the beach as well.


We both walked up to the top of the island were the main rookeries were.














There were probably a dozen fur seals on the beach on the opposite side of the island.



Also some nesting Albatrosses at the top.




We were back aboard ship around noon and the ship set off around 12:30 pm. Our Antarctic experience has come to an end. Tomorrow is a sea day and then we dock in Ushuaia, Argentina.

Day 19/41: Friday, February 14, 2020: At Sea, Last Day of Segment 2

Our final day at sea on Segment 2. It is therefore going to be leisurely day. I attended a couple of final lectures by the members of the E...