At last, after two long days at sea, land. Several firsts here as well. first time in a zodiac, first antarctica landing, first sight of a real penguin colony
& first smell of a real penguin colony!
It seemed strange to think of this as Antarctica, as there was no snow, just an outcrop of brown rock, between two huge glaciers.
The majority of the penguins here were Adelie penguins, distinguished by the light blue ring around their eyes and dark beak.

Further along the beach and inshore, a small group of Gentoo penguins had also set up home. These can be recognised by a white patch extending
from around their eyes and over the top of the head, and an orangy colour beak.

The Adelie chicks look very cute as great balls of grey fluff, but they pale into insignificance on the cute factor when you see a Gentoo chick,
with its white chest and grey & white stripe wings.

Also on the beach was a very sad looking Weddell seal, as well as a variety of bird life, kelp gulls, blue eyed shags & Skuas.

To see more photos, click here.