January 8

Days 12-15  South Georgia (cont'd)

A smooth overnight sailing finds us in Ocean Harbour this morning.  The forecast was for calm(ish) winds on this side of the island and windy on the southwest side.  The two sides are separated by high mountains, so we're in the lee of the worst of it.  Sure enough blue(ish) skies out to sea and cloud cover onshore.  Something different this morning - we're going for a hike!  Most of the ship seems to have signed up for it; I think everyone is craving some exercise.  Of course, some people are heading out on their usual activities - snorkelling and kayaking - so most people will be busy.  Perhaps trying to wear off some of the last week's overeating of delicious food?

Just had a message - we're lifting anchor and repositioning.  Apparently the tide is rising and freeing some close-by grounded icebergs, so we're looking for a safer spot to put the ship.  Safety first!  We had to change the hike because of less time; no problem - still a worthy outing.  

This area has a few penguins - mostly Kings - but tons and tons of fur seals.  So many cute little pups bouncing around!  I'm guessing they really like this area because there is large area where the pups can learn to swim before they head out into the real ocean.  Quite a few remnants of whaling activity (between 1909 and 1920).  There is also the wreck of the Bayard, built in 1864 and wrecked in 1911.  Ocean Harbour has a small cemetery with the oldest known grave on South Georgia (1820).  







For the first time on the trip, we have changed to Plan B for this afternoon.  We were to go to Saint Andrews Bay (South Georgia's largest King penguin rookery and SG's largest elephant seal breeding beach), but will be heading further north to Jason Harbour instead - due to weather and swell.  Lonely Planet tells me that high surf at Saint Andrews is not unusual.   

We are just dropping anchor at Jason Harbour and I can hear the seal pups howling from my balcony.  Our outing involved a longish walk followed by a zodiac cruise.  Soooo many fur seals (and a few King penguins).  Lots of seals on the beach, in the water, in the tussock grass, in the lagoon......  Frolicking pups to protective large males and resting harems.  Nice.........


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