The last day of our trip was rather nerve-wracking as well as enjoyable: we sailed through the Lemaire Channel towards Petermann Island, but there was a risk that there would be too much ice in the channel for us to reach the island in time to land. The channel was also very misty: great for the atmosphere, but not optimal for sweeping landscapes:
The water was beautifully clear and still:
The cliffs of broken ice had some beautiful blues:
As we went past we saw the occasional seal on a floe, and caught a rare glimpse of an Emperor Penguin beside the ship.
Fortunately we arrived at Petermann in good time for one last landing. While waiting for our turn, I watched whole shoals of Gentoo Penguins going about their business:
Petermann is apparently the southernmost gentoo colony, although that’s probably going to change; these guys are moving down the peninsula as temperatures increase.
Porpoising is thought to be a means of confusing leopard seals in order not to get eaten, but it also looks like fun:
10/10:
I love the porpoising penguins. And the blue colour in the ice.