I go exploring because I like it and it's my job. — Sir Ernest Shackleton
This morning we anchored in Fortuna Bay. We recreated the last leg of Shackleton's epic crossing of South Georgia, before continuing to Stromness. This hike is 4 miles long with 1000 feet of elevation gain. It was over a variety of surfaces - tussock grass, gravel, boulders, glacial plain with streams, and snow of varying depths. This is a one way hike from Fortuna Bay to Stromness.
It was an incredible feeling to have done the hike. At places it seemed a little challenging because of the steepness of the slope and the loose gravel but we all made it. The Ship dropped us at Fortuna Bay and came on the other side of the mountains to pick us up at Stromness Bay.
On The Hike - Recreating Shackleton's final leg!
Stromness, site of our morning landing, is a former whaling vessel repair station, named after the three-mile wide body of water that must be passed through to reach the station. It is here that Shackleton arrived after a 36 hour hike across South Georgia to reach help and save his men on Elephant Island. Although we are not permitted to approach the station buildings closer than 200m, the beaches and plains of the bay are rich in wildlife, including elephant & fur seals, reindeer, king & Gentoo penguins.
Remnants of Whaling Station at Stromness.
This afternoon, we landed at the former whaling station of Grytviken, established in 1904, by the Norwegian Sea Captain Carl Anton Larsen. The station changed hands a number of times and was finally closed in 1965. The small cemetery just outside of town is the final resting place of Sir Ernest Shackleton, and we paid our respects to "the Boss" with a toast at the grave, after visiting the station and museum.
The Whaling Station at Grytviken
At the cemetery of Shackleton
With the "Boss" - RIP!
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