18 Nov 2014

Back in Touch

Firstly I must apologise to those following this expedition that we have not reported in for some days. The voyage has been very successful and sea conditions are kind today as we make our way to the Antipodes Islands. This morning a couple of lectures are on the programme. One will address the problems of Petrel identification and the other will focus on the decline of the Eastern Rockhopper Penguin population on Campbell Island.

I am pleased to report that we enjoyed a near perfect run south from the Auckland Islands to Macquarie Island. The group then spent two great days at Macquarie, with one day at Sandy Bay amongst the King and Royal Penguins and the second day at Lusitania Bay followed by a visit to friendly team at the ANARE station.

Yesterday we were blessed with a magnificent fine and calm day at Campbell Island and many took the opportunity to complete a full day walk to NW Bay, while others took a Zodiac cruise to the upper reaches of Perseverance Harbour and climbed Col Lyall Ridge to view the Southern Royal Albatross. Many photographs were taken of the stunning views and endemic species including the Snipe, Teal and Cormorant.