Waterboat Point and Chilean Station

So after the disappointment of yesterday we have had a great morning at Waterboat Point. The ship is anchored in a lovely bay opposite a Chilean research station, although I think that it is more to establish their presence on the Antarctic Continent rather than undertake serious research. It was a short zodiac ride to the station, you can see from the photo that Marion was enjoying herself,

of course she is well wrapped up although it is not that cold. The station has an interesting history, as it was the first place that men overwintered on the continent, two young British sailors in 1920. The station itself had a small museum and viewing tower but its main interest were the penguins. You could get really close to these without disturbing them. The chicks here were still quite small, so they had to defend their territory against marauding skuas. The landing site was quite shallow and the water very clear so it was possible to observe them darting under the water, and then leaping out. They are such nimble creatures.

The station itself was quite Spartan and it looked as though about eight men, who were extremely friendly, manned it. I guess having four hundred tourists descend on you when you have had weeks with your own company is really great. They also did a sideline in souvenirs and postage. So Millie and Martha your postcard from Antarctica should arrive in two months time! We also now have stamps in our passports from the Chilean Antarctic Territory.

For me the day is not yet over as I am on the last kayaking group this afternoon. Previous participants report seeing whales and glaciers calving, so I really looking forward to it. So more blogging later today.