The theme for today was the human history here in South Georgia and for many exploring the wild and rugged landscape of this island. Beginning our day at anchor in Fortuna Bay a fiery sunrise preempted the departure of two score of our guests setting out to retrace the final leg of Sir Ernest Shackleton and his men’s epic traverse of South Georgia, from Fortuna Bay to the now derelict whaling station at Stromness. The remainder on board sailed into Stromness and trekked up the valley to set sight on Shackleton Falls, just as our intrepid counterparts made their way down the slopes after their 5km hike.
The afternoon offered another chance for a hike, this time from the abandoned whaling station at Myviken crossing over the low pass and down to the partially restored whaling outpost at Grytviken. It’s at this historic site where we find the headquarters for the South Georgia Heritage Trust (SGHT) and the British Antarctic Survey (BAS). It is here at Grytviken where Shackleton’s remains lie in the whalers’ graveyard, a tradition of a toast in honor of “The Boss” was given graveside with a splash of Irish whisky tipped in his, and his shipmates names. We were able to walk the grounds of the base and some of the restored buildings as well as enjoy the museum here that emphasizes the whaling and natural history of South Georgia. Later in the evening several members of the team from SGHT and BAS came on board to share with us their roles here helping to preserve and protect this very special place.
