January 13. After 2 days sailing the Drake Passage, we arrived at Elephant Island, Antarctica. The ship anchored early this morning in front of glaciers, Chinstrap penguins, and the small beach where Shackleton’s men spent the winter of 1916 before being rescued. The fog that was around last night lifted, the sun came out, and the Zodiacs were put in the water. We were among the first groups to go on Zodiac tours of the large Chinstrap penguin colonies nesting on the sheer rock cliffs. It is amazing how they can hop up the cliffs to build pebble nests on the rocks. We rode by the statue of the Chilean sea captain who rescued the Shackleton crew after wintering 4 months on the small beach. Jan really wanted to see penguins porpoising in the water. She got her wish today as they were all around the zodiac.
We spent time on deck after our Zodiac tour. Beautiful sunshine, gorgeous scenery. We were very lucky to have such glorious weather. Our Zodiac guide said this was the first time she had made it into the water at Elephant Island. Usually, it is foggy, windy, with huge waves.
Tomorrow we will spend the day in the Antarctic Sound. The next days will have abundant Antarctic scenery.🐧
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