Day 23 MS Roald amundsen

We moved out of Stanley to arrive at Saunders island this morning. The night was a bit rocky and rolly ( if that’s a phrase). 

It is cold and foggy and rainy and we are questioning the reasons for doing this...going on the landing that is.

But not peeps to miss out, we dress in all the layers and head down to the tender pit and the awaiting zodiacs. 

As we are no longer in Antarctica, we are able to have  as many people as we like on the island at any one time.

The zodiacs are running shuttles to and from the boat all day so we can come and go as we please.

This island is small and off north west coast. It belongs to a family who farm sheep. It is also the breeding ground of penguins: gentoo, magellan, king and rock hoppers. Amazing!

From the minute we jump off the zodiac we know we have arrived somewhere very special.

Firstly it’s the gentoos that watch us arrive. They  are standing to attention in great numbers.

There are also groups of the magellinic penguins tucked in the middle. These little guys live in burrows that are dotted all over the hill.

If that’s not enough, other birds , like albatross also breed here. We find a very special area absolutely full of albatross babies. You will see from the photos that they are huge.

The weather is typical (sorry to locals) Falkland weather, a balmy 9C and overcast with drizzle. 

Great talks today on frailty ( conference of course)

and a fun talk  from chef on how we are all fed and a tour of all the kitchens and food storage areas on the boat. Now that was interesting!

Conference drinkies tonight which was really nice. Last lectures tomorrow. The conference has been fun, lots to learn and really interesting presenters.

Everyone has been great company.