Beginning our 2015 in Antarctica

Before setting foot on Antarctica we were advised of the rules set forth by the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators, IAATO, for all expeditions.  These rules require you to:

• only take food or medicine on shore if needed to sustain life,
• always give way to penguins,
• maintain a distance of 15 feet from wildlife,
• not step on anything green, and
• not take anything away from the land. 

After crossing the Drake, we sailed to Barrientos Island in the Aitcho Islands group of the South Shetland Islands.  Our first excursion to shore was after lunch.  The only way to get to shore is via Zodiac – a rubber boat with an outboard engine.  They hold up to 10 passengers and a driver.

We had to have all external wear, such as trekking poles, camera bags, backpacks, etc., treated to ensure that we were not bringing a foreign substance ashore.  We also had to step into an anti-bacterial solution with our boots on before leaving the ship.

What a wonderful way to start our new year, getting our first look at the Antarctic Peninsula and our first sighting of native life including Gentoo and Chin-strap Penguins and Elephant seals.   Gentoo Penguins have orange beaks and feet and white on their heads.  Chin Straps have markings that look like a chin strap.  They live together harmoniously but do not cross breed.  This is the season for hatching eggs and we saw numerous eggs and chicks being nurtured. 

Penguins have a thing about stones.  They are constantly collecting new stones to ensure that the nests are formed properly and their eggs stay dry.  They either bring them from far away or take the easy route and steal them from neighboring nests - and then must deal with the wrath!

Penguins constantly guard their nests from other penguins who steal their stones and predator birds (the Skua) who take their eggs and chicks.  The Skuas will frequently work in pairs to distract the penguins and then take their eggs or chicks.

The penguins are not afraid of humans (we are not stealing their stones, taking their chicks, or hurting them) and freely walked among us.