It was an early morning start for some of us as we went over
to the Leith Island campsite to help those who over-nighted in the tents to
pack their gear and return to the FRAM. By shortly after 8am we were on our way
to Neko Harbour.
Neko Harbor was glorious. We had an easy landing with bright
blue skies and a warm sunny day. Two days ago at Deception Island it was grim
with rain,sleet and strong winds. Today the weather was just the opposite. The
great weather allowed us to hold a “full boat” of activities. In addition into
our landing at the Gentoo Penguin colony and the hike up to the overlook point,
today we also had a kayak cruise as 20 passengers and 2 staff had an easy
paddle across the bay. The paddle back to the pick-up point was more
challenging and the rapidly falling tide carried long streams of floating ice
across the kayakers route. This days photos speak for themselves.
From Neko Harbor we motored through Neumeyer Channel to Post
Lockroy. During our visit to this museum plus shop and post office the weather
changed from clear and sunny to overcast and windy with occasional rain and
sleet. This did not slow down our touring of the museum and our shopping and
writing and mailing cards. The store at Port Lockroy always seems to have
quality goodies to purchase ranging from stuffed toy penguins to excellent maps
and books.
While some of us were in the restored building others went
kayaking around Goudier Island where Port Lockroy is located. The event of the
kayak trip was the leopard seal that was extra curious and several times raised
its head out of the water near the kayaks to take a look at the paddlers.
The day drew to a close as we made our evening transit
through Lemaire Channel.
