Gourdin Island
Gourdin Island was named after a seaman onboard Astrolobe in 1840. M.S. Endeavour arrived in the early hours of the morning at this island. Normally, an almost impossible landing, the weather was on our side and we were greeted by thousands of penguins; all three brush tailed penguins in one place. This was also the first time many of our naturalists had landed at the site. A true Lindblad Expedition feeling surrounded our last destination in Antarctica. Some guests walked along the beach, whilst other guests enjoyed Zodiac cruises through the icebergs. Leopard seals again came to inspect us and one managed to catch an unsuspecting penguin just in front of our Zodiacs.
The afternoon was a leisurely one as we began to make our way north, crunching our way through the ice. As so many of us were already outside enjoying the scenery, the galley offered us hot dogs and beer on deck. As we were gathering for this much-appreciated snack, a Minke whale came alongside the ship. Staying around to play for a while, it then continued on its way. Warmed from the inside and with so much to see, it was hard pull ourselves away for our nightly recap.
As we sat down to our Thanksgiving Turkey Feast, there really did seem a lot to give thanks for. Our time in Antarctica had been an experience of a lifetime and over dinner we talked about how incredible our journey had been. Lots of merriment was had by all as we headed towards the Falklands.
Gourdin Island was named after a seaman onboard Astrolobe in 1840. M.S. Endeavour arrived in the early hours of the morning at this island. Normally, an almost impossible landing, the weather was on our side and we were greeted by thousands of penguins; all three brush tailed penguins in one place. This was also the first time many of our naturalists had landed at the site. A true Lindblad Expedition feeling surrounded our last destination in Antarctica. Some guests walked along the beach, whilst other guests enjoyed Zodiac cruises through the icebergs. Leopard seals again came to inspect us and one managed to catch an unsuspecting penguin just in front of our Zodiacs.
The afternoon was a leisurely one as we began to make our way north, crunching our way through the ice. As so many of us were already outside enjoying the scenery, the galley offered us hot dogs and beer on deck. As we were gathering for this much-appreciated snack, a Minke whale came alongside the ship. Staying around to play for a while, it then continued on its way. Warmed from the inside and with so much to see, it was hard pull ourselves away for our nightly recap.
As we sat down to our Thanksgiving Turkey Feast, there really did seem a lot to give thanks for. Our time in Antarctica had been an experience of a lifetime and over dinner we talked about how incredible our journey had been. Lots of merriment was had by all as we headed towards the Falklands.
