We knew we were close to land early this morning because the smells of soil, sand and surf filled the air. More and more kelp drifted by us, and the islands on the horizon no longer looked white as most of the islands we saw in Antarctica, but green!! We were in warmer temperatures, and therefore some rain (instead of snow) began to fall, but we were ready for anything after 13 days aboard the good ship Caledonian Star. New Island is amazing in its diversity of plants and animals, and especially unique because three species of black and white birds breed in close proximity. Rockhopper Penguins (our sixth type of penguin so far) blend in with King/Imperial Shags (the blue-eyed cormorant variety of shag) and Black-browed Albatross. Skuas and Dolphin Gulls compete with Turkey Vultures for abandoned eggs or bird chicks, which stray too far from their parents.

Penguin parents were busily feeding their young while immature penguins practiced their courtship rituals in preparation for next year, when their timing will hopefully be better! Windy conditions often prevail in the Falkland Islands allowing thousands and thousands of albatross to pack the cliffs and invade the tussock grass. Carcass Island (named after a ship) which we visited in the afternoon also has a wide array of plants and animals especially in the intertidal zone. We also saw our familiar friends the Gentoo Penguins, as well as our seventh type of penguin, the Magellanic Penguin, which burrows in the grass and peat for protection from predators.

Perhaps though, the greatest reward of the day was a wonderful traditional Falkland Islands tea presented in the home of the owners of the island, the McGills, after our long walk across the island. I can still taste the cakes and cookies as we sail away from the westernmost Falkland Islands bound for another adventure tomorrow.

Photo: King/Imperial (blue-eyed) Shag and Rockhopper Penguin