Half Moon Island
Trip Start
Feb 03, 2006
1
9
59
Trip End
May 09, 2006
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Half Moon Island,
Antarctica
Wednesday, February 8, 2006
The ship made its way to Half Moon Island (part of the Shetland Islands) this morning, and dropped anchor about 7:15am. My departure time for my island visit was 7:45 am. I and 12 others were loaded into a Zodiac boat, and were ferried to land. Floating icebergs, glaciers and peaks in the background, and a rocky little island, with lots of penguins. The rule was 5 meters, we were not supposed to get closer than 15 feet. But if the penguins happened by us, then they could get as close as they wanted. That happened multiple times, they just walked by me, a foot or two away. There are supposed to be about 4000 penguins on the island. I think they are called Chinstrap Penguins, you may be able to see why in the photos. Weather was above freeze, probably low 40's, and breezy, but not cold. The red parkas the ship gave out are quite heavy and very warm inside. The weather cooperated, I'm told sometimes they have to cancel some or all of the stop due to high winds, and choppy seas. But today was calm, and even some sun.
MILES: flying 8517, bus 22, taxi 33, walking 12, ship 596, Zodiac boat 2 total: 9182
Ship anchored position: Lat 62d 35.19m S Long 59d 53.2m W
Half Moon Island position: Lat 62d 35m 46s S Long 59d 54m 15s W
