Journey to Antartica Aboard the National Geographic Explorer – Day 4
The day after our exhilarating first Antarctic landfall in Deception Island, we were blessed with an even more rewarding polar experience – our first encounter with a penguin colony, a glacier hike, sailing through beautiful ice field, and walking on sea ice.
We made a continental landing on this day in Brown Bluff, a tuya (subglacial volcano) which was formed a million years ago.
We learned that this part of eastern Antarctic Peninsula is quite challenging to navigate. Thanks to the ice-strengthened hull of National Geographic Explorer, we were able to navigate through this infamous ice-choked side of the peninsula.
It was a glorious morning as we approached the shore of Brown Bluff amidst the soft morning light and the magical backdrop of glistening snow covered mountains and stunning iceberg bits.
We were delighted to slide ashore to the sight and welcome honks of the adorable residents of Brown Bluff – the Adelie and Gentoo penguins.
We were amazed to see penguins, penguins everywhere! They were beyond delightful.
The Adelies and Gentoos are two of the four species that thrive in Antarctic continent. The Adelies are the ones with solid black heads and the Gentoos are marked with white earmuffs.
Just how many penguins are there in this colony? About 20,000 pairs of Adelies and 600 pairs of Gentoos. (And they were just few of those we encountered throughout the expedition.)
The rule for us humans is to stay at least 15 feet away from the wildlife. But the penguins do not understand the rule and they keep approaching us humans, just like this guy who was eager to pose for a close-up.
It was fascinating to observe the penguins’ behaviors and way of life. It was a nesting season during our visit. We were intrigued by the stance of these penguins. The naturalists explained that they staked out a space for their nests, which they were closely guarding while waiting for their partners to bring them pebbles they gathered to create their nests.
Here’s a penguin carrying a pebble on its beak to bring to its nest. Some of them dive to the bottom of the sea to find the perfect pebbles.
And some naughty ones steal pebbles from their neighbors’ nests resulting to a fight. (Yes, they’re just like people).
Male penguins present the pebbles to their partners the way human males present a diamond to their beloved.
Once they collected enough pebbles to complete the nest, the female penguin sits on it waiting for an egg or two to be laid.
Once the eggs are laid, the parents take turn incubating the eggs, while the other goes to sea to feed.
After enjoying the penguin world, we moved to the other side of Brown Bluff to hike in one of the region’s many unnamed glaciers.
Volcanic rocks on the slope of the glacier.
We soaked in the pristine beauty of the Antarctic landscape and the amazing sight and sounds of its endearing residents, and reflected how blessed we were to experience such wonders.
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Back on board, we visited the bridge for the first time. Explorer has an “open bridge policy,” which gave us opportunities to interact with the captain and the officers and to learn about navigation, equipments, etc.
In the afternoon, we sailed towards the Active Sound while weaving through blankets of whites and we got to witness one of the amazing “ice class” features of our cutting edge expedition ship. Here’s a video of our vessel breaking ice like a boss. It was awesome!
We enjoyed the stunning colors and different shape and forms of the ice floes.
Penguins on sea ice (frozen sea water).
To our amazement, our vessel docked right up to the edge of this expansive sea ice, giving us an opportunity to take a stroll on ice and have our “Ernest Schackleton moment. ”
A few second Zodiac ride from the side door of the ship brought us to the ice edge. With an aide of a “bridgette,” we were able to step into the ice with ease.
Walking on (frozen) water!
Penguin encounter on sea ice.
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Back on board that afternoon, we enjoyed a presentation about the penguins of Antarctic Peninsula from a penguin expert in the expedition. After dinner, two marine biologists gave a presentation about Antarctic killer whales, which turned out to be a precursor to an exciting sighting the next day.
That evening, we were honored to be invited to a special dinner with two amazing National Geographic photographers – Sisse Brimberg and Cotton Coulson.
It was a full day of polar fun and a great evening spent with special people. We didn’t think if would get better than this but it did! In the next post, we’ll share about our Zodiac cruise in a cove with magnificent icescapes, killer whales on a hunt, night hiking and another penguin colony encounter.
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Linking to Travel Photo Thursday, The Weekly Postcard, Weekend Travel Inspiration and Sunday Traveler by Chasing the Donkey.
Okay, this post makes me smile and makes me think of the movie, Happy Feet. I wanted to get up and start doing the Penguin Shuffle! Beautiful photos – as always!
Jackie Smith recently posted..10 Days and nearly 10,000 miles later. . .
Thanks Jackie. I smiled imagining you doing the penguin shuffle:)
Amazing photos…
Muza-chan recently posted..Japanese traditions, Shoki-san house protection amulet
Thanks Lilli!
Thais comentou em 6 de julho de 2012 às 16:11. Gostei do texto e me identifiquei (ptnacipnlmeire a parte de andar de metrô… no meu caso, metrô e ônibus! hahaha), tirando a parte do android e instagram, hehe.
hola buen aporte.una pregunta aunque nada que ver con esta sección descargue unos cuantos libros que posteaste yquisiera saber si has leÃdo el necronomicom me resumirÃas de que trata. graciasmi e-mail:
F*ckin’ awesome things here. I’m very happy to look your post. Thanks a lot and i am looking forward to touch you. Will you kindly drop me a mail?
I am so jealous of your adventures. I’m not one for cold weather, but penguins would make it all worth it! Your pictures are beautiful!
Thanks Kendra. True, those adorable penguins are worth braving the cold. Enjoy your adventures in Thailand and I wish for you to have an Antarctic adventure someday.
Marisol and Keith, this is absolutely AH-mazzzzing!!! I keep wanting each of these posts to NOT end I’m so mesmerized by the story the pictures. Love the penguins! I hope all is well with you both!
Mike recently posted..Grand Hyatt In Seattle, Washington – Comfort And Familiarity
Hi Mike thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed the photos and the stories. We’re doing well. I hope you doing good as well.
I am soaking up these posts and am thinking what an honour it would be to there. I imagine it is quite hushed? Can’t wait for the next day’s adventure. How amazing to be so close to penguins in the wild.
budget jan recently posted..Deer and Daibutsu at Nara
Hi Jan, it was truly amazing to be there and be with the penguins and be surrounded by beautiful nature. Yes, it was quite so peaceful, serene and pristine. Yes, we felt so honored to be there.
Ok, besides chihuahuas penguins are my FAVORITE animal ever, so this post made me so happy! I love how they really posed for the camera too, even though you had to stay back a ways! What a fabulous adventure!!!
Jess @UsedYorkCity recently posted..15 Completely Free NYC Guided Tours
Hi Jess, Oh, I’m so glad the post made you happy. You have to see those penguins in the wild in person. They’re cuteness overload.;
Amazing! This really must have been the trip of a lifetime. Those penguins!
Erica Baker recently posted..NPR Tour
Thanks Erica! It truly was.
I’m loving your Antarctica photos! I’m so jealous that you saw penguins in the wild. I love penguins and would love to see that someday. How amazing to get that close to them (love the little guy who was posing) and observe their natural rhythms of nesting! Can’t wait for killer whales next (another fave animal)!
Anna | slightly astray recently posted..Giant prawns and bird’s nests in Chinatown, Bangkok
Hi Anna, there’s nothing more delightful than seeing those penguins in the wild and observing their behaviour. . I really hope that you get to visit them in Antarctica someday.
Marisol recently posted..Antarctica: Brown Bluff and Active Sound
OMG! What can I say. Throw in all the superlatives. This experience/tour is mind blowing!
I wanna do this someday, fingers crossed.
Photo Cache recently posted..Sunset Over the Bay
Hi Maria, it really is mind blowing. I’m also keeping my fingers crossed that you get there someday.
Oh those penguins! I have fallen in love. They are so cute!! The Antarctica has won me over for sure.
Kathy Marris recently posted..In My Backyard: Fascinating Fingal Head
Hi Kathy, they’re indeed lovable. Just wait until you see them in person.
What a fantastic adventure! Antarctica is near the top of my wish list.
Sophie recently posted..World at a Glance: Grimeton Radio Station, world heritage with global reach
What a fantastic adventure! Antarctica is near the top of my wish list.
Hi Sophie, it truly was. I can’t wait for you to get there.
What an amazing trip you’ve had. To see the penguins in their natural habitat would be wonderful. They really are such beautiful creatures with a seemingly distinct personality or have I been watching too many penguin movies! . Do they ever come closer to you than the ‘poser’ did for the photographer?
jenny@atasteoftravel recently posted..Comment on A Culinary Backstreets Food Tour in Athens by Rahman @ Destination Iran
Hi Jenny, It really is wonderful to see penguins in their natural habitat. Yes, it’s true that they have very distinct personality. They’re like little people. Oh yes, they came much closer to us – by our feet! Sometimes it was hard to put much distance between us because the space available wouldn’t allow us to move further.
You convinced me, Marisol. I’ll have to take this trip. In fact, National Geographic expeditions have been in my plans for a long time, but they seem so expensive. However, I think it’s money well spent. You don’t get to see what you saw in Antarctica any other way. Are those red jackets mandatory to wear? Great pictures.
Anda recently posted..The Weekly Postcard: Bodie, the Eastern Sierra Ghost Town
Yey!!! I’m glad you’re convinced! I know going to Antarctica is not cheap and Nat Geo costs more than others, but if you go for this special trip of a lifetime you would like to do it right. Going with Nat Geo will be money well spent. We only have good words to say about our experience with them and we look forward to take more adventure trips with them. The parka will be provided to you and its for you to take home. It’s an excellent one and will really protect you from the elements. I can’t wait for you to do this expedition. I wish from the bottom of my heart that you get to go soon.
The penguins are just adorable. You are obviously having the trip of a lifetime. I’ve been following each of your posts and enjoying your journey vicariously.
Lyn (aka) The Travelling Lindfields recently posted..Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium, Auckland, New Zealand
HI Lyn, I’m pleased that you’re enjoying the Antarctica posts. Yes, it was indeed a trip of a lifetime. I hope that you and your husband make it there soon and see the penguins in the wild.
What an amazing adventure! How exiting to see the penguins in their natural habitat.
Vicki Green recently posted..Up in a Tree House at Treehouse Point
Hi Vicki, thanks. It was really quite an adventure.
Absolutely stunning photos, I bet it was a surreal experience to see the penguins in their natural habitat..
Vlad recently posted..The Yeni Cami Mosque In Istanbul
Thanks Vlad. It was indeed surreal. We’re still pinching ourselves until now:)
Oh my, what an amazing trip!! This looks absolutely fantastic. I love pingus. How great that you got to visit this very special place on our planet!!
Hi Esther, thanks. We truly feel blessed to experience this special place.
You made me remember “Happy Feet”. Are the Penguins really so cute? I must say the photographs are just awesome. I wish I could visit this place someday.
Pooja recently posted..Flying Returns – Ten Secrets of Air India Frequent Flyer Revealed
What an amazing place! I would love to see it for myself, but your photos will have to do for now!
bettyl – NZ recently posted..stingrays and king fish and eagle rays, oh my!
HI Betty, I hope you get to see it soon. I’m glad you enjoyed the photos.
Oh my gosh! What an amazing adventure. Truly spectacular. One for MY bucket list I think. This has truly blown me away.
Leah | KidBucketList recently posted..Bush Tucker : Sampling the Bunya Nut
Hi Leah, it’s really an amazon adventure and worth to be on top of your list. Glad you enjoyed.
What an incredible day for all of you! Your pictures of the penguins in their natural habitat are just stunning. They are so adorable and ‘Happy Feet’ did come to mind. Thank you for all this interesting penguin information. That whole ritual with the pebbles and nest was so fascinating. I’m loving this virtual trip with you guys. We may have to win the lotto to do this family trip or wait until the kids pay for their own way
Mary {The World Is A Book} recently posted..Adventures at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Hi Mary, Yes, the nesting ritual was so fascinating to witness. I can’t wait for your family to do this trip; I’m pretty sure it will happen someday, especially knowing that you son is obsessed in going there. He already planted the seed! Maybe he’ll pay for everyone:)
Penguins are some of the cutest animals on the planet, and seeing them in action, in the wild, truly is a privilege, Marisol. Did any of those penguins come closer and even touch you and Keith?
Bama recently posted..An Epic Love Story, Retold
Hi Bama, it was indeed a privilege. Yes, they came as close to our feet. There were designated trails for people in other places we hiked and, of course, they think they were their trails, too, and they walked beside or just ahead of us.
It’s my dream to be there!! <3
Hi Agness, I wish for yur dream to come true.
Your tales from this trip just get better and better, and your photos are so beautiful. I would just so love to experience this!
Phoebe @ Lou Messugo recently posted..All About France Link Up
Thanks, Phoebe! I’m so glad you’re enjoying it.
Marisol recently posted..Antarctica: Brown Bluff, Penguins Galore & Sea Ice
What a remarkable adventure! I love the penguins – they’re so beautiful.
I had to smile when I read the part that they, of course, don’t know to stay the required distance away – they want their close ups!
Marcia recently posted..Up Close to a Volcano in Granada Nicaragua
Hi Marcia, nice to hear from you; it has been a while. We really had a remarkable adventure and those penguins made it extra special.
What a mind boggling adventure you two had. I love those penguins! The fact that they wanted to get so close must have had the experience that much more special. I love how the male woos the female with pebbles. I am always amazed at how animal behavior is often so close to our own. Your sea ice walk looks amazing too! Thanks for linking up this week! #TPThursday
Nancie recently posted..Chiang Mai: Sticky Rice Tea for Travel Photo Thursday
Hi Nancie, getting close to those penguins (or they getting close to us) made the adventure much more incredible,. And it truly is amazing how they behave like little people.
Hi Marisol,
How cool is that! I am intrigued by this continent, it’s the only cold weather spot I am dying to visit because I’m addicted to the tropics.
Loving the penguin images!
Ryan
Ryan Biddulph recently posted..Kelli and I Are in Bali!
Hi Ryan, you won’t regret leaving the tropical paradise for a while for Antarctica and those penguins will surely win you over.
Marisol. This is the post! This is the post that makes me want to book a trip right now! Penguins! I love it! I love the photo of you sitting and watching. It’s great. Was it very cold? What was the temp? Thanks for once again linking up with #wkendtravelinspiration!
Corinne recently posted..Spend Valentine’s in a Love Hotel!
Hi Corinne, I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. The temperature was in the mid-20’sF/-4C. It wasn’t to bad. It’s much colder for us here in NY right now so Keith and I joked that we want to go back to Antarctica to warm up
I cannot get over how adorable those penguins are. I’m really enjoying this series, I am looking forward to your next post.
Rachael@safari254 recently posted..Mombasa Old Town – A piece of the past
Hi Rachel, they are really adorable. I’m glad you’re enjoying the series.
oh my gosh!! I’m SO incredible jealous. First of Antarctica is huge on my list of places to visit and then to see so may adorable penguins?! Ah!
Adelina // Pack MeTo recently posted..Visiting the World’s Cheapest Michelin Star Restaurant: Tim Ho Wan, Hong Kong
Hi Adelina, It’s worth to be high on your list. I hope you get to get there soon,. It’s really incredible.
haha this is so funny. Thats your only pic ? you gotta be shitting me right? hacsanb&p;hmon man i could go for daysss. Wheres your teeth? Smile god loves you man.
OMG what an awesome trip ! I’m so jealous Antarctica is definitely high on my list (but unfortunately very very expensive). Those photos are totally amazing. I so want to go myself one day … I’m so happy you both did this trip, for sure the trip of a lifetime.
Freya recently posted..10 Amazing Places to Hike before you Die
Hi Freya, as I told you in our emails, it will be worth every cent. I really hope you can do this trip soon.
I registered to Squidoo, I wanted to post a lens today.But, I found contradictory information about this si0hhemm̷t;.W.at do you think of site like Gather and Hubpages ?
wow!!Amazing captures….Love to see all these penguins everywhere….
Amila recently posted..Road Trip to Kataragama,Sri Lanka
Thank you Amiila.
I have no words to say how amazing this post is… well and truly the adventure of a lifetime. The scenery is absolutely stunning!
Thanks Margherita! It truly is an adventure of a lifetime but we would love to do it over and over again,.
What an exciting excursion! You managed to grab some really great photos of the whole nesting process from the pebble in the mouth to the actual egg. My girl enjoyed your photos, too. (Getting to look at this post was her incentive to finish writing one paragraph of her essay.) I had hoped to see some penguins while I was in Southern Australia and spent a few hours staking out the penguin nesting ground to no avail.
Hi Michelle, I’m so glad that your daughter enjoyed the photos (Hope she did well in her essay:) Too bad you didn’t get to see the nesting penguins in Australia. I hope you and your family will see the ones in Antarctica someday,
Marisol recently posted..Antarctica: Icescapes, Killer Whales & Night Hiking
how blessed you have been to be amongst these endearing creatures. Antarctica in the wild. Stunning.
Life Images by Jill recently posted..Melting Moments & Hydrangeas in the garden