Day 16 – 29th February Hercules Bay and Prion Island
Following on from yesterdays “full on day” this morning started calmly with no wake up call, that said the motion of the ship and the expectation of what may happen today never leaves you sleeping in too long, it is always great to go up to the bridge or on deck first thing.
Everyone on board is now conscious that the second phase, South Georgia, of this three phase trip is nearing the end and we will soon be sailing on to The Falkland’s, that said we still have the best part of two days left here.
We are sailing towards Hercules Bay the plan is to anchor there and take a zodiac tour of the bay, it is full of wildlife, including fur and elephant seals, along with Macaroni penguins and nesting wandering Albatross. This morning the driver of our zodiac was Captain Martin himself. The bay is only 500 meters wide with towering cliffs very spectacular and picturesque.
After an hour or so in the bay the Orion sails on towards Prion Island. The morning gently roles on, the peace is suddenly broken with a very excited Expedition Leader, Doug, announcing that the bridge believe they have sighted Blue Whales (can be identified by the shape and height of the blow I have learnt) so get on deck, they are a rare sight. Everyone rushes to get warm clothes on grab cameras and binoculars and get on deck.
There they are two blue whales a mother and calf, we are told the mother is in the region of 33m long weighing 150tons, and the calf is the size of a humpback whale – what a sight – we watch for about half an hour before moving on, even the crew are going wow! they are not seen often, in fact after this the joke has become what have we left to see, we have really ticked the list on this trip.
Following all that excitement we continue to sail north into a wildlife rich area known as the Bay of Isles, these islands are on the Atlantic Ocean side of South Georgia Island. We anchor just off Prion Island. This island is “Specially Protected Area” as designated by the South Georgia Government and only a certain number of people allowed on the island at any one time. So we go ashore in two waves. The highlight of this visit is to see Wandering Albatross on their nests and we do. The Government has constructed two viewing platforms here, connected by a boardwalk, which provide excellent access. The rat free island (you recall I mentioned the rat eradication program) has meant that this area has become a mecca for these magnificent birds to breed. In additions the once very rate South Georgia pipits and burrowing petrels have also made a great comeback here.
So the penultimate day at South Georgia Island we now head out for our last day at Prince Olav Harbour and Elsehul.
Day 17 – 1st March Prince Olav Harbour & Elsehul
This is the last day in this part of the world. In the morning we had the option of kayaking or a hike. I chose the hike in Prince Olav Harbour. This site is full of history, explored by Captain James Cook, the harbour was well know to sealers and 20th century whalers.
In the afternoon we sailed to Elsehul one of the most northern points and we have a short stop here before heading of from South Georgia.
Now we set off over night to head for The Falkland Islands we arrive there after 750 nautical miles, so two days travel at sea arriving early Friday morning, so for the next two days we will be looking out to on the Scotia Sea looking for wildlife. . We have been told to secure our cabins, but the forecast for the crossing is good…be in touch once in Stanley – Falkland Island