The wake-up call came at 05:30 and soon enough we had boarded the Zodiacs for a cruise. The first rays of sun poked through the clouds as we approached the rugged coastline and for the next hour and a half, we were bowled over with the incredible scenes that unfolded before our eyes, most noteworthy, the large king penguin colony. We also enjoyed a hot cup of chocolate and a fresh blueberry cupcake mid-tour.

During the transit to the next destination we came upon several blue whales, their immensity too difficult to comprehend.

During the afternoon, we thoroughly enjoyed another cruise, this time in beautiful Elsehul. Once again, we encountered wildlife galore: fur seals, elephant seals, sheathbills, penguins, and albatross. By the end, our senses were becoming seriously overloaded.

Our last stop was another cruise among the Willis Islands, particularly, experiencing Trinity Island. It was challenging in the wind and currents, but it was worth our while. The highlights were seeing macaroni penguins come and go despite the surge and watching light-mantled albatross fly, balletic style over our heads.

The cocoa Zodiac was met along the way for a mid-afternoon beverage. What a sendoff! Thank you, South Georgia, for once more overwhelming us.