We woke after a restful night onboard the National Geographic Explorer to our first sunrise and full day of adventure in South Georgia at Elsehul. Elsehul is home to one of the largest fur seal colonies in the world and also home to nearly all the breeding birds in South Georgia. We were all eager to discover what would be revealed to us in this magical place!
We set out on Zodiac tours early in the morning to see the very active fur seal colonies and to catch a glimpse of some of the other wildlife present in the bay. Jumping penguins abounded in the water, fur seal pups called from the shore, seabirds swiftly moved with the wind as the seawater sprayed their wings, pushing them along.
One particularly amazing thing about this region of the world is the ability of the weather to change within minutes. When we started out the sun was peeking in the sky and the winds were quite calm. Over the course of the Zodiac cruise, which was a little over an hour, we saw all of the seasons! There was sun, there was rain, and there was snow and even a little hail! Within a few minutes the sun would be back out, then the snow, then back to sun. If anything, it intensified the majestic feeling of this wondrous place.
Back onboard, we set sail for Prion Island where we would walk the boardwalks to observe the wandering albatross that nest on this island. Once ashore, it is hard not to be amazed by the beauty and size of the wandering albatross. Walking on the boardwalk, taking care to make way for the fur seals that can be found lying on the path, soon you find yourself near these magnificent and beautiful creatures.
Observing them in their natural habitat gives one a feeling of privilege and wonderment. To be able to see how these creatures interact with their young and with each other is something that is hard to put into words.
If our first day in South Georgia has set the stage for the rest of our days here, then we are in for some really special, unforgettable moments. This place leaves one with a sense of wanting more. Wanting more experiences, more moments ashore, and more time with the wildlife.
