25 Feb 2016

Emperor and Friend

We woke to the sight of ice covered Coulman Island which appeared close enough to swim to, but it was actually 17 miles away. This island is very big and a really impressive sight. We continued the approach north looking for the ice edge we knew would come and then sailed northeast along it looking for more Emperors. We did not have to wait long as the first appeared with a friend on a large ice floe. A newly fledged Adelie chick had teamed up with the biggest of all the penguins. They made a funny pair, huddling then standing together, but you sensed that they enjoyed each other’s company in the great open spaces.

The smooth seas and light winds made for an enjoyable morning cruising through the ice and we spotted quite a few seals amongst the floes. Once we were free of ice we made good time towards Cape Adare. Reports suggest that we may have challenges again with serious pack ice pushed into the shore but only time will tell. There was another big moon and grand views of the Trans Antarctic Mountains as we turned in for the night, with the ship gently rocking everyone to sleep.