Wednesday Morning: Danco Island

Wednesday morning we approached Danco Island at sunrise.  The weather  was perfect for Antarctica; sunny, calm wind and 31 degree temperature.

Jan and I were on deck six watching for wildlife.  Overnight, snow had  accumulated on the ship.  

A humpback whale was swimming along the port side of the ship.  Only its dorsal fin was visible. 

Twice a week, the expedition team releases a weather balloon, collects the data and forwards it to NOAA.  This data feeds into the world-wide weather forecast.  Today's launch ascended nearly 75,000 feet and landed about 20 miles from the launch site.

The first Zodiac launched and met a leopard seal in the channel.  The thousand pound animal playfully chased and bumped into the rubber boat.  The previous week, a leopard seal bit the side of a Zodiac, puncturing one of the tubes.

Our Zodiac landing was smooth, dry and uneventful.

Landing at the beach, we were greeted by yellow penguins.  This is what  expedition leaders are called because they wear yellow jackets.  (Our jackets are red.)  On the shore to the right was a group of gentoo penguins preparing for a morning swim and "breakfast."

From the beach, our trek required an ascent up a 410 feet incline to view a large rookery.

The trek followed a switchback route.

Viewed from the channel, this is how it looked. The small dark spots are people. 

Several gentoo's walked up the incline along side us.  After feeding in the ocean, they climb the 400 foot hill back to their rookery.  Quite a feat for a short legged bird with a 4" stride.

The rookery on the plateau contained hundreds of gentoo penguins

Meanwhile, back at the landing area, this little fellow seems to be negotiating for a ride.