We are bundled up appropriately (we hope) for the -2C (36F) weather conditions. Around 9:15am our zodiac group is called. As our zodiac boat is making its way to the landing site we spot five Type B killer whales swimming together. There are also Minke whales. Amazing! Three of the Naturalists on board are studying whales. They are extremely excited. They go off in their own zodiac and are able to photograph and obtain samples from the spouting whales with their specialized drone.
In the afternoon the ship moves to Stonington Island for a visit to Base E. This is the location of abandoned U.S. and U.K. exploration bases. The U.S. base was used from 1960 to 1975. There is a team of six people from the U.K. Heritage Trust restoring the U.K. Base. We learn about the site and zodiac to the island to have a closer look at the base and the beauty that surrounds it.
Once on the island we first check out the U.K. Base. The restoration team has their work cut out for them. Luckily they are not living in the old base. Believe it or not they are tent camping! Good thing they are only here for ten weeks.