24 Jan 2014

17 Jan Voyage: Macquarie Island

Our expeditioners have experienced the jewel that is Macquarie Island (fondly known as ‘Macca’) over the last two days.  Appetites whetted with informative lectures from the Heritage Expeditions team on board, the group was keen to experience this fascinating location. Our first day ashore began after we collected rangers and staff from the ANARE station on the island and made our way south to Lusitania Bay where we took a cruise in the Zodiacs for a close-up look at the massive King Penguin colony with an estimated 250,000 pairs of the birds. With a dropping easterly swell and experienced staff it was possible to make a successful landing at Sandy Bay in the afternoon.  Cameras and memory cards were filled to the brim with images of Royal Penguins, King Penguins, Skua, Giant Petrels and Elephant Seals.  Here we learnt to ‘let the animals guide the experience’ and found that by sitting in one place the King Penguins were happy to come and take a close-up look at clothing and even peck our boots!

On our second day we were warmly welcomed on a visit to the station and took a guided tour around the base area to learn more about the work done there. The weather was also kind with some sun and a light wind.  With a cup of tea, fresh scones and warm company to finish we passed some Rockhopper Penguins on our cruise back to the ship.  Now that we have left Macca in our wake our sights turn towards the great white south and our initial goal of Cape Adare. The expedition has already given us many highlights and fired the adventurous spirit of our party. We will be sure to keep you updated!