Wednesday morning is our last chance to go onshore in Antarctica. We get out of bed slowly after Brent's voice awakens us. We notice a slightly foul smell in the air and then realize it is the smell of penguins.
At breakfast we sit next to Hannah, one of the three women living at Port Lockroy from November through March. They are here for the season curating and maintaining the museum which was a research station on this small island. She explains that she tried three times (over several years) to land the job. The application process starts with a series of essays and culminates in a number of practical skills tests including rewiring a lamp, first aid, and shoveling and carrying and/or pushing 50 pounds of sand. She excuses herself from the breakfast table so that she can take a shower on board ship as they do not have running water on the island.
Our zodiac first takes us to Jougla Point on the island. On shore we see an amalgamation of whale bones, then walk up the rocks toward the Gentoo penguin colony.
At breakfast we sit next to Hannah, one of the three women living at Port Lockroy from November through March. They are here for the season curating and maintaining the museum which was a research station on this small island. She explains that she tried three times (over several years) to land the job. The application process starts with a series of essays and culminates in a number of practical skills tests including rewiring a lamp, first aid, and shoveling and carrying and/or pushing 50 pounds of sand. She excuses herself from the breakfast table so that she can take a shower on board ship as they do not have running water on the island.
Our zodiac first takes us to Jougla Point on the island. On shore we see an amalgamation of whale bones, then walk up the rocks toward the Gentoo penguin colony.
The odor of penguins permeates the air. I'm glad we have rented the boots and waterproof pants we are wearing. There is mud and penguin poo all about. Nonetheless the penguins are endearing. We are supposed to stay 15 feet away from the penguins, but they walk right up to us. Can't help but love them.
There are also birds about - Antartic Shags and Skewa's, often trying to locate an easy meal. Skewa's are somewhat similar to vultures and hawks. They hang around the penguin rookeries looking for a chance to steal eggs or small chicks.
We zodiac over to the museum. The base was established by the British in 1944 and continued in operation until 1964. Once inside we get a glimpse of what life was like for the researchers. Wow!
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