Why did the penguin cross the road?
To get to the side that had the iceberg.
OK. That wasn't funny because it wasn't a joke. It was true. I got to see a true penguin crossing today.
Read below for more details...
So our Basler flight to the pole was delayed again today due to weather. Since it's Sunday, the official day off for most people, an outing was set up for the polies out to Cape Evans to visit Scott's Hut (built in 1910). During the 13 mile trek, we encountered seals and more amazingly, Emperor Penguins!! People have been down to Antarctica several, several times and have never seen an Emperor Penguin. This was a very lucky event for a first-timer such as myself.
The rule regarding wildlife is to not get too close. If you notice that the animal is reacting to your presence, then back off. However, with penguins, the rule still applies, but due to their inquisitive, unafraid nature it is okay if they approach or come close to you. Just don't interfere. In this case, we got down on our knees or our bellies on the road, and the penguins came pretty close as they crossed the road in between our vehicles. It was so awesome! I've always wanted to see a penguin in the wild and to see Emperors this close was a bonus.
After the penguins had meandered off, we continued on our trek to Cape Evans. I should mention that there were two groups of 17 riding in the back of 2 Deltas. Since the back of a Delta is unheated, it was pretty cold. I had accumulated ice in my water bottle by the time we returned. However, they don't give us our ECW gear for nothing so we wore it the whole way there and back. It was decently warm...enough so that I was able to take a nap on the way back (or was that really hypothermia setting in).
Once we got to the hut, the tour was really neat. Lots of stuff from almost a century ago that has been pretty well reserved. Look close at the pictures for all the cool stuff laying around. For some history, check out this link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott's_Hut
Click here for some photos
How cool is that? Penguin's. Carla that is awesom!!! i love the pic of you with the little guys in the background. I miss you lots but am happy that you are having a good time. Keep on keepin on. love and snarfles to you.
ReplyDelete