07-02-2025
Follow the Tecla: https://my.yb.tl/Tecla
So our first landing was a fact! Pinguin Island was the place. We made land fall at Elephant Island the day before. A short dingy cruise was the best we could do. Our passage over the Drake was good but the weather was catching up with us again. Point Wild was out of the question because it was a lee shore. The departure point of the famous voyage of Shackleton and part of his crew to South Georgia is an epic place. Although we never land there it is inspiring to think these men held on for so long in a place like that. Any way a no go this time. Cape Look Out on the south coast was much safer and the best place to find Macaroni Pinguins! They don’t nest much further south than this.
On the first dingy ride we cruised around without any hurry. The second one we sped up. And on the third we hurried up to the colony and went back in survival mode… The weather was turning. Anchor up and of into the Bransfield! After a night of sailing, we arrived at Pinguin Island for our first landing. The fog held us back for a while but on our assent, it started to clear. First the top of the Ice Bergs in the strait appeared and later the shoreline and finally the Tecla lay basking in the sun. The top of the dormant volcano was a surreal setting for the group picture that followed! on our way back we stopped at the Chin Strap colony for some close up action. (https://zea.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plaetje:Manchot_04.jpg) These little creatures are full of humor, and when we left an hour later everyone was smiling ear to ear! We spent the night in Potter Cove to break up the passage to Yankee Harbor. A good night sleep for all!
Back in the Bransfield Strait. Nothing beats an early morning departure!
All is well!
Gijs
