Penola Straight and Port Lockroy
After two days of extraordinarily good weather we were not sure about today. Our early wakeup with beautiful light told us that we would again have another great day of Antarctic weather. The National Geographic Explorer had made her way through the French Passage towards Peterman Island. This small island was home to one of Charcot’s expedition over 100 years ago, during which he counted penguins and did preliminary atmospheric research. We would spend our time exploring the island he lived on by foot and kayak. Those that chose to paddle had a great time plying the smooth water of Penola Straight. Those on shore had a chance with both gentoo and Adelie penguins and their chicks.
As the ship was moved north to the former British research base “A,” now called Port Lockroy, the amazingly clear blue skies and sunshine stayed with us. The base was part of Operation Taberin around the time of WWII. It was later abandoned to the elements, but has since been refurbished and is now a post office and gift shop that raises money for the British Antarctic Heritage Trust. The hearty souls that spend each summer here meet thousands of people from all over the world that travel here by expedition ship. Our time was spent meeting the small team of Lockroy staff and then staring in amazement at the seven sister’s mountain range that lay behind the base. It was an incredible backdrop for our discovery of the gentoos and shags here at Port Lockroy and Jougla Point. An interested leopard seal swam by both landing to take a quick look and then move off.
The memorable weather continued as we left Lockroy and headed into the Gerlache during dinner. From here we would sail northward and into the Weddell Sea for further adventures.
