The anticipation of arriving at Port Lockroy and the realization that this would be our last full day in Antarctica was an interesting sensation. It had been a fantastic excursion up to this point, and Port Lockroy was able to make the expedition even better. Port Lockroy, also known as the Penguin Post Office, is a historical site that models like in the 1940’s and 1950’s when the British ran the base to keep tabs on the Germans during World War 2. The base was built in a location that was easy to access and was sheltered from the stormy winds that tend to be so dangerous along the peninsula.
At Port Lockroy, we saw Gentoo Penguins and chicks as well as nests of Blue Eyed Shags who blend in with the penguins until they take flight.
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| Blue Eyed Shag Nesting Among Gentoo Penguins |
At the souvenir shop, I went on a shopping spree. I mean, it’s not like there are other stores to choose from. It’s extra special to purchase souvenirs from Port Lockroy because 100% of the proceeds support their efforts in maintaining the beautiful historic site.
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| Port Lockroy |
We left Port Lockroy a little sad that our time on the peninsula had come to an end. Yet, that did not mean the excitement was over. The ship continued to head south to the Lemaire Channel. Lemaire Channel was the most narrow and scenic channel of our voyage. In fact, this destination is often referred to as “Kodak Channel” or “Digital Drive” because of its reputation as Antarctica’s most photographed location. The spectacular icy peaks on each side reach for the sky from the depths of the Southern Ocean. The captain gracefully maneuvered the ship to the southern end of Booth Island before being forced to a stop by the presence of several large icebergs. Even though we did not pass through the entire seven mile channel, we reached 65 degrees south, the closest to the South Pole as we would get.
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| 65 Degrees South at Lemaire Channel |
On our way back north, we were presented with a magnificent feat of nature: Humpback Whales breaching. Several crew members told us that in all their years serving on the ship, they had yet to see this act until now. This was truly an extraordinary end to a remarkable voyage as we entered in the Drake Passage on our way home.
At Port Lockroy, we saw Gentoo Penguins and chicks as well as nests of Blue Eyed Shags who blend in with the penguins until they take flight.
