New Island, Falklands
Our crossing from South Georgia was as smooth as the Southern Ocean would allow with only a slight wind at our back, which is from the wrong direction as the prevailing winds fly. This allowed the National Geographic Explorer to make excellent time east. Our original plan then could be changed to include a stop at New Island. We would spend the whole day at two different landings. The morning was spent exploring the northern part of the island with a walk to a gentoo colony along with a small group of black browed albatross, rock hopper penguins, and blue eyed shags. Many of the mated pairs were preening one another, a sign of pair bonding that is enjoyed by many species other than birds.
The afternoon was spent at the south landing where settlement is located. The two families that live here were displaying their wares. The short walk along the saddle revealed a great chasm in the quartzite sandstone that many more black browed albatross, rock hopper penguins and numerous blue eyed shags were taking advantage of as nesting sites. The light became incredible later in the afternoon as we had plenty of time on shore to compose and recompose for great photography or just sit quietly and reflect on all the wildlife and scenic adventures that have filled our minds and hearts on this expedition to the South Atlantic. It has truly been one for the record books and created great memories and forged new friendships of shipmates and allowed us to discover through our senses, and theirs, a lasting expedition experience.
