twangster

More 360 camera fun on the zodiac ride back.

The Tea House. Unfortunately the group before us took forever to load the zodiacs on the way here and we lost a lot of time. We had 10 minutes at the nesting site and by the time we reached the Tea House they were closing it. Time to head back to the ship.

The hike back was a little easier. Felton's flower. Our guide pointed out the wind blown trees. The Falkins are known for their winds. These trees didn't grow this way, they were pushed this way.

This poor guy had one leg. More Rockhopper penguins.

There were many Albatross soaring above and buzzing the colony close to ground but not landing. I suspect this was part of the ritual to find a mate, a bit of showing off. Definitely some mating rituals on display. Some birds of prey looking for a meal.

More Black-browned Albatross. More chicks at this nesting site.

Leaving late but we finally departed for West Point Island at 3:30pm. It's a lot of uphill walking. For those that can't do the hike they offer limited vehicle service. Most of the uphill is in the first 20 minutes. Austral Thrush Hiking in bog boots added a new twist to a hike like this. Finally we made it to the nesting site.

Update: Looks like we are proceeding with the planned zodiac landing.

While we are waiting to hear if we'll land at West Point Island, here is the Day 3 Chronicle: 21 DEC - New Islands and West Point Islands.pdf

Day Three - Afternoon, West Point Island During lunch we've made our way to our second stop for today. The wind is pretty strong and we sailed through through strong currents on the way here but the ship handled it very well. They've just come over the PA system to state the winds are over 30 knots and they are sending out a scout to assess the situation on land. There are operational guidelines with respect to environmentals and we may be pushing the threshold to perform a zodiac landing safely.

Back on the ship we all had a turn on the boot wash machine. Summary courtesy of my Apple Watch. I forgot to start it at the beginning of the landing site.

I used my waterproof 360 camera for the ride back. The zodiac driver warned us heading into the wind will result in more sea spray. He was right.

Taxi!

There is a museum and gift shop at the landing site. I forgot to bring cash or card so no retail therapy for me.

I have a bunch of photos beyond what I posted here but soon enough it was time to head back to the landing site.

Imperial Cormorants are also eager to steal the show. But who can resist penguins!

Not to be outdone for cuteness, the penguins have something to show.

The cliff face all around is loaded with breeding birds.

There are also Black-browned Albatross.

Penguins! Everywhere!

A short 20 minute walk later and we reach the nesting site. The site is basically wall to wall birds. Imperial Cormorants. Rockhopper penguins.

Once on land they collect our life jackets and we are directed towards a trail. We meet a guide who will escort us to the nesting site as a group. It's pretty much exactly as they explained in the briefing yesterday. Our first opportunity for some wildlife up close. First up is an Upland Goose. And some chicks. I'm falling behind, too many photo ops. Gotta catch up.

Our first stop of the cruise this morning starts with our first zodiac ride. Zodiac groups were called with around 10 minutes between groups. Once my group number was called it was down to the mud room to put on my boots and leave my shoes behind. The redcoats are coming!

Our Ubers were lowered to the water. A quick breakfast in La Terrazza and then to my suite to get ready.