Approaching South Georgia
Our second day at sea was also filled with apprehension of the wonders to come on the great wildlife island that is South Georgia. There were presentations concerning some of the animals and topography we would encounter. Also we had our South Georgia briefing and decontamination, this would be to ensure that no non-native species were being introduced onto the island from South America or the Falklands.
The afternoon was spent experiencing different seas as the weather began to change and the winds instead of helping us along were moving or “clocking” as the naval term goes to our bow. This caused the ship to bump into oncoming seas. Sharp eyes on the bridge spotted a rare find, a male sperm whale, who was as interested in us as we were of him. He turned to take a ”sound” of us and then we both moved on. Male sperm whales venture to the far north or far south of the globe during part of their lives before they rejoin a group of females for breeding.
Later still the ship approached Shag Rocks. These pinnacles are part of a larger geologic structure of the northwest coast of South Georgia that is home to numerous seabirds. Many nest here, others feed here as the churning waters of the Southern Ocean are mixed to the surface and make for plentiful feeding grounds for many marine animals and birds. The species were numerous, including this sooty albatross, arguable the prettiest of large seabirds.
Tomorrow we will arrive to enjoy the splendor of South Georgia, today was a good buildup for the experience to come.
