This morning we sailed to the southernmost point that we will go on this trip. We sailed through part of the Lemaire Channel, a narrow, scenic waterway known for its mountain views and calm waters. On one side of the channel is Booth Island and the other is mainland Antarctica. There is also a small Gentoo penguin colony there. We were unable to go through the entire channel as there was too much ice.

Gentoo penguin hanging out on an iceberg

There were lots of penguins swimming around. 

They nest on rocks and this is one of their colony areas.

Here are some of them using a penguin highway.

Views from along the Lemaire Channel

In the afternoon we first went out on a zodiac to Port Lockroy on Goudier Island. This was initially used for whaling and later for research. There are a few buildings remaining here, including the world’s most southern post office which is a protected heritage site. You can actually have post cards sent from there. 

The post office.

On our way there, the penguins were swimming alongside us.

There was a decent sized Gentoo penguin colony at Port Lockroy with a number of chicks.

There are South Georgia Shags mixed in with the penguins. They are also black and white birds, but they have long necks.

On our way back to the ship we found some Weddel seals napping

Later we went for our first Antarctic landing, which was Damoy Point on Wiencke Island.

To go on a landing we have to decontaminate our boots. If you recall from when we were crossing the Drake, our gloves, hats, and scarves were inspected and cleaned. Our waterproof coats, which we will keep, were provided by Viking. We were also provided boots and waterproof pants to use on the cruise. 

The decontamination process: on our way out we had to walk through a decontamination fluid in a scrubbing machine.

We went to shore in a zodiac.

Paul caught me getting off of the zodiac and setting foot on Antarctica.

There was a decent sized Gentoo penguin colony here with multiple chicks. We were told that the last time the ship was here there were only eggs.

Shifting an egg.

View of Damoy Point. In the background you can see the yellow Damoy Point Hut which was used as a transit station for scientific personnel.

We had to get our boots sprayed off.

And then we had to walk through the decontamination fluid again