01 Mar 2016

2 Feb Voyage: Shokalskiy at Campbell

People wore big smiles to breakfast having enjoyed a good sleep and in anticipation of the chance to shake off cabin fever after nearly four days at sea. We were blessed with light winds and a slightly overcast day, which is ideal walking weather. Fifteen expeditioners were rewarded with breath taking views and albatross on the arduous 12km hike over muddy uneven terrain. The rest of the group enjoyed a morning Zodiac ride exploring a number of coves and made a couple of landings to watch a variety of bird life and seals. They then walked the 3.5 km boardwalk to spend time amongst nesting Southern Royal Albatross while they waited for the late afternoon aerial display. Rodney compared the albatross timetable to that of teenagers who only come to life late in the day!  Both groups visited the site of the ‘Loneliest Tree in the World’. This Sitka Spruce is the only tree on the island and thought to be 110 years old. The bar and restaurant were aglow with rosy faces and lively conversation about the wonderful array of flora and fauna experienced throughout the day. We are hoping the idyllic weather will continue tomorrow so we can explore more of Campbell before we head to the Auckland Islands.