28 November 2023

So we have made good time getting to the Peninsular and so a few talks were cancelled this afternoon so we went out for the first time in the Zodiacs to Aitcho Islands of the South Shetlands.

Everyone was excited to be finally getting out and on land. A large Leopard seal was lazing about on the shore when a Weddel decided to visit. Disinterest the Leopard seal moved away allowing the solitary Weddel to reach the sea (probably trying to get away from all of us landing). We have been put into 4 groups so they can stagger the chaos of getting kitted up, making sure everyone is suited and booted for the trip and then plonked in a Zodiac to go to shore. On the whole looks like most guests are agile so I think the whole process will speed up as more excursions happen.

Bit blowy and fine snow, cut into your faces if you had not covered most, so there seem to be quite a few people dropping gloves in penguin poo as they made adjustments to hats and scarves…. Not the best. The famous smell of penguin poo I could sort of smell… one of the better aspects of being post COVID I suppose.

So there were both Chinstrap and Gentoo colonies on the island and seeing a Leopard seal on shore and a solitary Weddel almost say hello to the Leopard (not it’s wisest move) was quite unusual. Some amazing rock formations on the coast with steep sides down to the sea as well.