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I cannot get enough of them-- these fur seals have huge eyes the shape of chestnuts. This one has a Mona Lisa smile about it... wonder what they're not telling us...? :)Like all the other photos, please click to full view. This little photo doesn't do the seal justice.
Penguins are, quite simply, one of the most interesting birds to observe. Aside from the funny, seemingly random motions, they are also capable of beautiful gestures. This one almost seems like it is singing to the heavens above.
It is harsh, but it is also the circle of life-- there are kelp gulls on Half Moon Island that are penguin predators. Here is a fully grown adult kelp gull. They are capable of snatching penguin eggs or very young penguin chicks.
Seals can also be seen on a regular basis here on Half Moon Island. When I landed there were 5 seals-- 3 Leopard seals, 1 Fur Seal, and 1 Weddell seal. This is the fur seal, which was just relaxing/taking a nap on the rocks. Our marine biologist, Pat, claims that fur seals are his favourite type of seals because they are the cheekiest of the lot. And I agree! This one here is actually posing for my camera.You have to see them for yourself.
We visited Salem, Massachusetts for an artist's view of Antarctica... shown in an exhibit of some of the most beautiful paintings created at the turn of the century... but so pertinent to today's discussions on global warming. I couldn't say it any better than the review which I have included below. Please take the time to read and absorb this message.... Journey to Salem is worldwide tour; Polar exploration exhibit riveting. Publication: Telegram & Gazette (Worcester, MA) Byline: Chris Sinacola Two centuries ago, a young man in Massachusetts who wished to see and know something of the world might sign on a ship leaving the port of Salem, bound for adventure in the China trade, the whaling grounds of the great oceans, or perhaps a perilous adventure to the frozen latitudes. Unlike those distant times, these days most of us can't easily take time for an ocean-going voyage of...
This is McMurdo station as it would have looked from a helo in the 60's. The helo pad was on the lower right...buildings consisted of barracks, chapel, living quarters, shops, chow hall, and a separate building where men were allowed to take showers once every 10 days. they had to melt snow to make their water....
The reunion for all the folks who have been to Antarctica was held in Rhode Island in 2006. There were several days of tours, dinner, socializing....remembering. The doctor who survived breast cancer while stationed on the ice was the key note speaker. Attendees were extremely impressed with her talk. Some took tours out of Blount Marine, Bristol to do an evening cruise up Narragansett Bay to Newport. Others toured the Seabee Museum at Davisville or the Air Museum at Quonset. Some visited restaurants by the bay to eat fresh lobsters. There were lots of memories and stories to tell. REUNIONS ARE HELD EVERY 2 YEARS. IN 2010 IT WILL BE HELD IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS.All who have toured Antarctica whether in the military or as a civilian are welcome to join. Check into their web site for some interesting info and chatter.
We saw many seals as well and in some cases we almost fell over them, when walking on the beach and concentrating on something else and all of a sudden we came too close to a seal, that started screaming.Normally they are harmless, but it is always best to keep a good distance, because they can move pretty fast and when they bite you you might die in some cases because of the bacteries that will mingle with your blood and kill you that way within some hours.Nothing like this happened in our cruise !
Chinstrap Penguins are the largest population of all penguins, there are about 13.000.000 of them worldwide and you will find them in almost any place, where cruiseships willl go to in Antarctica and also at many places in Argentina.They are looking really cute and it was great fun to watch them, while they were watching us. Penguins obviously never get angry about human beeings, they always stay friendly and nosy.
Gentoo Penguins are to found in every place that we came to, while cruising Antarctica onboard of the bark Europa. They are easily to be distinguished from other penguins by their red peek and when nesting they will mostly choose the areas with grass or moss. See the Gentoos in my 2nd photo : the mother-gentoo just got up to change her position, while breeding, you can clearly see her 2 eggs. In the 3rd pic that same mother starts screaming, obviously in order to frighten the scuas, so she has enough time to change position while breeding.
Reviews and photos of Antarctica attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Antarctica sightseeing.
Q: Hello, I'm so excited about my trip to Antarctica on 2/19 on Quark. Questions for those who've been there - 1. packing -...
A: There is a tiny place on Deception Island, where the ground is so hot that you can dig out a hole and let the sea-water in that will allow you to take a bath in hot...
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