Carcass
Island
After
three days at sea and some stormy waters last night and early this
morning, it was with enthusiasm that we stepped into the Polar Circle
boats for a short ride to land. Carcass Island is in the northwest
area of the Falkland Islands archipelago and has only two full time
residents who have lived there for over thirty years. After a long,
somewhat difficult hike across uneven terrain, we were treated to
wonderful homemade pastries and tea/coffee in their home and some
genuine Falklands Islands hospitality.
The
weather here can change within minutes and an expedition party from
the ship had to make a “dry-run” to the island to make sure that
a landing was even possible. The sun had just come out and the ride
over had us skirting the waves and having a great adventure. By the
time the boats were heading back to the ship, however, the weather
had changed and many of us were pelted with hail and cold wet
water...my waterproof pants, jacket, knee-high boots, and gloves plus
several layers of t-shirts kept me warm enough, although the
temperature will continue to drop the closer we get to
Antarctica...and I will need to add more layers.
During
the hike, I had a chance to see my first penguins...a group of four
scurrying up the hillside just a few meters from where I stood. I
know there is a chance that I will become a bit blasé about seeing
penguins by the time this trip is over, but nothing can mask the
excitement of seeing them in the wild the very first time.
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