Falkland Islands
Early this morning, the National Geographic Endeavour approaches the rugged west coast of West Point Island. Black-browed albatross glide along the cliffs where they come ashore to nest for only a short time each year. This is a momentous moment in our voyage, as we have arrived in the Falkland Islands after crossing a portion of the southern ocean from the southern tip of South America.
During breakfast, the ship navigates a narrow channel into Hope Harbour, where the ship anchors in preparation for our first landing of the voyage on West Point Island. The sun is shining, and the wind has calmed by the time the Zodiacs take us ashore for a dry landing in front of the settlement. Roddy Napier, owner and resident of the island, welcomes us to his island and invites us to tea following the morning outing across the island to the Devil's Nose.
Our first outing on this Photo Expedition is an opportunity we will never forget. Stretched out before us above the rugged coastline is a vast nesting colony of black-browed albatross and rock-hopper penguins. We observe and photograph at close range the full courtship and mating rituals of the albatross and watched as the rock-hopper penguins made their way over the rocks to the sea (today's photo). Back at the settlement, we enjoy a morning 'cuppa tea' then waddle back to the ship in time for lunch.
This afternoon is another photographic extravaganza, this time on New Island. Tony Chater and Ian Strange, co-owners of the island, greet us as we come ashore for a wet landing at a white sandy beach. It is only a short walk across the island to the bird colony where we find the usual suspects: black-browed albatross and rock-hopper penguins, with a number of blue-eyed shags thrown into the mix. We all find our own vantage points to observe the complex social interactions within the colony. It was exciting, almost too exciting, to approach the cliff edge to watch the albatross glide by at eye level.
Back on board this evening we enjoy an informative recap about life on New Island by Tony Chater, who is joined on board by his wife Kim and two young children. Indeed it has been a full but great day, and beyond our wildest dreams with the sun and calm weather.
Early this morning, the National Geographic Endeavour approaches the rugged west coast of West Point Island. Black-browed albatross glide along the cliffs where they come ashore to nest for only a short time each year. This is a momentous moment in our voyage, as we have arrived in the Falkland Islands after crossing a portion of the southern ocean from the southern tip of South America.
During breakfast, the ship navigates a narrow channel into Hope Harbour, where the ship anchors in preparation for our first landing of the voyage on West Point Island. The sun is shining, and the wind has calmed by the time the Zodiacs take us ashore for a dry landing in front of the settlement. Roddy Napier, owner and resident of the island, welcomes us to his island and invites us to tea following the morning outing across the island to the Devil's Nose.
Our first outing on this Photo Expedition is an opportunity we will never forget. Stretched out before us above the rugged coastline is a vast nesting colony of black-browed albatross and rock-hopper penguins. We observe and photograph at close range the full courtship and mating rituals of the albatross and watched as the rock-hopper penguins made their way over the rocks to the sea (today's photo). Back at the settlement, we enjoy a morning 'cuppa tea' then waddle back to the ship in time for lunch.
This afternoon is another photographic extravaganza, this time on New Island. Tony Chater and Ian Strange, co-owners of the island, greet us as we come ashore for a wet landing at a white sandy beach. It is only a short walk across the island to the bird colony where we find the usual suspects: black-browed albatross and rock-hopper penguins, with a number of blue-eyed shags thrown into the mix. We all find our own vantage points to observe the complex social interactions within the colony. It was exciting, almost too exciting, to approach the cliff edge to watch the albatross glide by at eye level.
Back on board this evening we enjoy an informative recap about life on New Island by Tony Chater, who is joined on board by his wife Kim and two young children. Indeed it has been a full but great day, and beyond our wildest dreams with the sun and calm weather.
