Our first full day in Antarctica was just that. Full. Setting foot on land for the first time after a two-day crossing, we stretched our legs at Horseshoe Island, a site established by the British Antarctic Survey as sufficiently ice-free to set up a research hut named Base Y.
Around this historic hut, etched into the rocks, are veins of malachite. This mineral is produced after extensive weathering, oxidization, and eventual chemical reaction with carbonates, producing an aquamarine color completely unexpected amongst the Adelie penguins and historic remains on this island.
The afternoon activities were by sea, via Zodiacs. Humpback whale sightings were numerous throughout the day. They did not disappoint from the small boats either, breaching in the distance, lunging for food, and surfacing quite near our boats.
The finale was when a curious leopard seal showed interest in our presence, giving a few passes by each boat before heading off towards more penguin snacks or a feast of krill in preparation for the approaching end of the Antarctic season and the light that keeps this place rich in life through the austral summer.
