Icebergs

Tuesday October 31st 2023
South Georgia - Cruise Expedition Day 9 Elsehul and Rosita Harbour.
Arrival at NW corner of South Georgia. Icebergs and Fog

am.  The morning's landing at Elsehul was cancelled as there was too much swell to safely launch the zodiacs.  The ship sailed down the more sheltered NE coast to Rosita Harbour.  Patchy fog, eerily looming icebergs and a fog bow.  A few humpback whales sighted but not photographed - they disappeared too quickly.

pm.  What a day it turned out to be! So glorious and atmospheric.
The fog mostly dispersed. Zero higher cloud, no wind and bright sunshine.
The bay was sheltered and shallow so almost no swell.  Afternoon activities went ahead as planned.  The kayakers got out for a paddle and the rest got ashore by Zodiac for a short hike to look into the next bay and many photo opportunities.
So what was there?
Absolutely stunning snowy mountain peaks, some lingering fog patches to add atmosphere, seals, penguins and flying birds - including two special species, the only two birds endemic to South Georgia.
Those are the South Georgia pintail duck and the South Georgia pipit.  Both were seen.  More about them to come in a future post.

Expedition staff say this is the best weather they have experienced on South Georgia in 10 years of coming (two visits a year).

Tomorrow is to be a special day for penguins providing the weather holds.

Images: All have a textured overlay.
Main: Iceberg 1b . The extras are Iceberg 2b and Iceberg 3b
Which one do you prefer?