Port Lockroy and Time to Shop!
The really big draw of Port Lockroy for most of us was a chance to shop. The British maintain a small museum, gift shop and Post Office on Goudier Island (our landing site)...View image... where stamps...View image... and souvenirs could be purchased and mail sent. Of course, it may take months for your mail to arrive but what better souvenir than a postcard sent from the Antarctic Continent with a stamp (only available here) on it. The shop and Post Office have only been run for around 13 years. The UK presence in Antarctica dates back to 1943.
Because Port Lockroy had limited space, half the group would be zodiac'd to Goudier Island and half to Jougla Point. After about an hour, the groups would switch so that everyone could experience both locations.
FACT: When you travel to Antarctica, only expect good weather 50% of the time. Not only was it warm on shore today, but downright hot! One of those 50% days...finally...
Rob, the keeper on Port Lockroy, said there had been heavy snow up to two days before our landing and the Gentoo nests were almost buried in the snow with just little heads peeking out. What a difference the sun makes...these areas were completely clear of snow but Rob said most of those eggs probably won't hatch. Too water-logged. The Gentoos will just relay new eggs.
With Port Lockroy in the distance...the zodiacs approached shore where Susan and crew were standing by to give everyone a hand up...
On shore, we were greeted by the hysterical sight of Gentoo Penguins massed around the British Flag! Fast photos and everyone zoomed into the little museum/post office/shop to shop and send postcards...
The Brits have preserved the old kitchen and bathroom....and I can't even imagine using these facilities in the cold...not fun...
The Gentoos were so underfoot here that you had to watch every step to avoid smooshing one. Research has been done on whether or not it is detrimental for penguins to have visitors. Conclusion - our visits are not a factor. Possibly because the Skuas don't like people and this helps save the eggs. (A cruise over Christmas could possibly be ideal. There would still be snow and the baby chicks would have hatched.)
Passengers were requested not to get in any penguins way because they become easily confused and don't know what to do then.
Two Snowy Sheathbills were having a raucous fight on the bottom step...View image... over territory completely ignoring people all around them...
Then it was our turn to zodiac over to Jougla Point with Blue Whale and Fin Whale bones, a jaw bone, and even more penguins busily stealing each other's stones.
This is the furthest south Orlova will go. Only about 100-150 miles north of the Antarctic circle. The zodiacs take 8-10 people at a time to cruise or land and our multi-purpose zodiac drivers, for example, Fiona is a Marine Biologist, do a wonderful job getting us on and off safely.
