16 Jan 2020

Macquarie Island Delights Despite a Foggy Start

Our day started with an early morning pick up of the Tasmanian National Park rangers from the permanently manned Macquarie Island Station located at the northern end of the Island. After a short briefing on the Spirit of Enderby, we soon made our way into a very foggy Sandy Bay, a sheltered inlet on the island's eastern side which gave us ample shelter from the prevailing northerly winds. We were greeted on shore by thousands of curious penguins; both the proud and brightly coloured Kings, as well as Macquarie's endemic species, the Royal Penguin. Southern Elephant Seals burped and jousted amongst each other while we photographed their interactions, unbothered by the persistent drizzle which fell throughout the morning. After a few hours we all made our way back to the vessel to dry off and eat lunch while we repositioned for an afternoon landing at the station back up north.

Fortunately the winds subsided which made for an easy operation in the afternoon. In small groups of 10 we were guided around the station and shown how the regeneration of the island was well under way after a successful pest eradication project. More penguins and seals lined our pathways until we were welcomed to hot coffee and scones before waving the station and its occupants farewell. We now leave the subantarctic behind and set course for the Ross Sea, patiently awaiting our first sight of the ice.

Image from file © L.Tough, Heritage Expeditions