This morning, we sailed the last stretch of the Drake Passage between South America and Antarctica. Our anticipation was diverted by entertaining lectures from Photo Instructor Alex Rubenstein and visiting lecturer from the University of Pennsylvania, Mike Weisberg. Even before Alex could finish his talk, we were in sight of land and in awe of the landscape, including columnar basalt, snow covered peaks, flowing glaciers, and floating icebergs. Excitement started to simmer for disembarkation and stepping foot on land.
Our first landing brought us by Zodiac to the chinstrap penguin colony at Half Moon Island, among the South Shetland Islands. For many, this was the first glimpse of penguins and a welcome foot on solid ground. About 2000 penguins make nests here each year, and we were able to enjoy fledgling chicks being fed by parents returning from the foraging grounds. While most penguins seemed unbothered by our presence, the fur seals that also call the beach home were a little less welcoming, and several among us were reminded that we were no longer the dominant mammal ashore.
