South Georgia Photosafari (II)

I think I speak for all onboard the highlight of the week was hiking part of the Shackleton Route.  We only did 8 Km of the 35 that Shackleton, Crean and Worsley made, and it was definitely the easiest part. From Fortuna Bay we hiked to Stromness and then onto Leith Harbour. It was a good 4 hours hike, in perfect weather with plenty of steep hill climbs, and descents and traversing 45-degree shale escarpments. It took me out of my comfort zone a few times.

But just to walk that short distance in the footsteps of those great men felt a real privilege. To stand on the mountain where Shackleton stood looking down into Stromness knowing that at last they were safe and could set about rescuing the men left behind on Elephant Island. They didn’t know that it would still take four attempts in four different ships and 5 months to get back to them.

All week have been exploring the harbours and anchorages on the eastern side of South Georgia.  Right Whale Bay, Rosita Harbour, Salisbury Plain, Prince Olan Harbour, Elephant Lagoon, Fortuna Bay, Stromness, Leith Bay, Husvik, Hercules Bay, Cobblers Cove and Ocean Harbour, its been busy.  We have had relatively light winds which is unusual for here but not much sun light for photography, which is normal for here. You have to make the most of the light when it’s there. We did have a couple of hours of sun at Salisbury Plain where there are upwards of 50,000 King Penguins and a beautiful sunrise in Ocean Harbour.

Onboard the crew are keeping us safe and well fed, the food has been great and everyone is relishing the time onboard, and on land.  We enjoyed a movie night watching the Search for the Endurance documentary which has the story of Shackleton’s Expedition intertwined with the scientific search for the wreck, very appropriate for where we are. 

Rick Tomlinson

Yachting Photographer