Today was our first wet landing in South Georgia. Since we can only have only a hundred people on the Island at any given time, we were divided into 6 groups that would visit the island at different times to keep the numbers below 100. But there was a bonus. There was an early morning landing for those who were interested at 5:30am. Based on previous landings, the numbers during this early hour was below the hundred mark so people just had to sign up for logistical purposes.
At 5am Lisa, our expedition leader made an PA wake up call at 5 am for those who signed up and we were transported in zodiacs to the shore and from a distance itself we could spot the huge King Penguin colony! Once on shore the staff had set up a perimeter for our landing without disturbing the wildlife too much. They set up red cones to mark our entry point and also to keep a pesky Fur Seal away! Yep, the first time I saw a fur seal at its home! They are pretty aggressive or rather feisty and will attack and bite you. We were taught how to fend them away - the trick is first to maintain a 15 feet distance and secondly if one comes after you, do not turn your back and run rather raise a stick over their head or clap or even better strike two pebbles together to make a noise and shout loudly! Remember we are in their territory and these are wild animals with no boundaries!
The Fur Seal that was near our landing trying to reclaim its territory!
And then there were the King Penguins, majestic with their shiny coats and the yellow/orange glow under their necks. They are a curious bunch and will walk to you to investigate. They do not attack but will take little pecks at your jacket or shoe just to satisfy their curiosity. They like to march and usually more than one and in groups but of course I spotted many that were just strolling around.
One of the largest King Penguin colonies in South Georgia. You can see the brown ones are the chicks. Just a ocean of penguins!
We came back on board the ship and after lunch headed to another Island close by called the Prion Island known for its nesting grounds of the giant wandering Albatross. They are only found on this Island and only fifty visitors are allowed at a time on the Island. It was a very foggy day so could not capture a picture of them but there was a chick right in the Tussocks (the long grass bunches).
We will be heading to see more penguin colonies and elephant seals tomorrow! Good night for now.
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