Welcome to South Georgia Island 1/25 & 1/26 Sun/Mon Day 7/8

We have spent two very busy days with Zodiac cruising and landings at four different bays on South Georgia Island. The beauty of this place is difficult to describe. There are mountains with snow covered peaks and waterfalls, large icebergs floating by, glaciers slowly inching down the slopes, vast beaches that stretch for miles full of sunning Fur Seals and Elephant Seals, and King Penguins colonies that number into the thousands of (usually but not always) mated pairs. Acres of Tussac grasses create hidey holes for seals, and small lakes and glacial streams create fresh water ponds for the seals and penguins. The weather has been absolutely amazing with highs near 50 deg F and loads of sunshine. It is the peak of summer in the southern hemisphere.

On Sunday we had a Zodiac cruise in the morning, followed by a landing at Elsehul Bay in the afternoon. On Monday we landed at Salisbury Plain on the Bay of Isles in the morning and at Fortuna Bay in the afternoon. These landings are all done by Zodiac, after the Expedition Team has assessed the wind, swell, and beach conditions, and set up boundary poles for us so that we don’t disturb penguin colonies or seals. They are doing a ton of work before we ever get into the Zodiacs. When we do landings, we are required to wear waterproof outerwear, both pants and coats. Our return trip from Fortuna Bay was a good reminder of why this is required. The wind picked up and they called us all back early so we could get off the island  before it got any worse. Let’s just say we were all soaked by the time we reached the ship, but it was the most fun, bouncing, and thrilling Zodiac ride we’ve had! 

We did get chased by a few Fur Seals, and it was hilarious. You have to leave plenty of space between you and them, and slowly walk away if they approach you. They don’t actually want to hurt you. They are more curious than anything. The babies think they’re grown-ups and try to come at you with their little huffy growls, and the teenagers think they’re the king of the pod and bluff charge you with their mouths open like they’re going to bite you. Not every one, of course, just a few brave ones. All you have to do is hold your arms up and look big, and they stop and back off. Some of them are pretty persistent, however, and you have to stick out your foot or bang two rocks together. We all made it safe and sound back to the Zodiacs with no seal bites. 

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