Penguin Paradise

One of the things Jennifer was afraid of missing were the penguins. The migration was to take place during this time frame of late February, when they would all return to the sea to pass away the winter months. Well her fears could not have been further from reality. Penguins were everywhere. There were thousands and thousands of them. They were on land as well as diving like dolphins in the sea. Waddling around, feeding their young, fighting with one another and molting to get rid of chick feathers in order to be able to take to the sea. Our first inkling that they were nearby was that of the smell. I thought we were entering a fishing village with the pungent smell of fish coming from the harbour. No harbour here. Just the smell of penguin pooh. Everywhere we stopped penguins and more penguins. They are cute and dumb, but an essential link in the ever evolving eco system.

The ships program called for a stop and landing in the morning followed by a short cruise and 2nd landing at a different location in the afternoon. On this day our lunch time cruise was to take us through the Errera Channel. Looking forward from the observation deck, it was quite apparent to me that we would have to turn back and find another route to Cuverville Island which was to be our next stop. The Captain had other ideas. Skillfully he navigated us through what appeared to be a wall of ice. It must be the ultimate video game as we weaved and steered though the ice flows, sea ice and ice bergs. With awe and amazement we made our way through the channel to successfully come through to the other end. I had read somewhere previously that Norwegian ships and their crews are not afraid to go out on a limb and test their skills to the max. They certainly have my respect after having witnessed this remarkable feat.

Skol!!