24 Feb 2017

SHOKALSKIY: 30 Emperors on Ice!

Wow! What an amazing last couple of days we've had, after crossing the Antarctic Circle. On Wednesday (22 Feb) we were greeted to morning by the sight of icicles hanging to the rails of the ship, glistening as they melted in the sunshine. Our first experience of Antarctica was at Cape Adare, where we experienced a zodiac cruise along the shore line where we saw many Adelie Penguins & Leopard Seals. One of the highlights was witnessing a Leopard Seal devour a penguin at very close proximity. We also had some great views of Borchgrevink's hut on the Adelie Penguin strewn beach. Once back on board Akademik Shokalskiy, some were fortunate enough to spot a Minke Whale from the bridge.

On Thursday (23 Feb) morning, before the usual wakeup call, the news one of our keen expeditioners had been waiting to hear, for nine years in fact, went out - "Emperor Penguins on ice ahead." Expeditioners scurried to get dressed, with as many layers as required, and headed for the decks, where we were treated to over 30 Emperor Penguins on ice close to the ship, and many more further out. Congratulations Dottie on completing the full set of Penguin species sightings, we are delighted to have helped you achieve your ambition over a number of expeditions. The remainder of the day has been filled with some entertaining lectures and cruising through the ice as we make our way to Terra Nova Bay

Leanne Dunhill - Guest Blogger