Exploring South Georgia and turning North...

We've had a few chances to talk with our team aboard the Plancius and the enthusiasm for South Georgia Island and all it has to offer has been overwhelming. Everyone is having a GREAT time. Here's a short recap of the last couple days:

Saturday night as the Plancius was anchored in Stromness Bay everyone got their groove on with a ship-wide dance party on the upper deck. Yes, it was freezing. Yes, the wind was blowing. But that's no reason not to celebrate! I could barely hear Rick's commentary over the din of loud music, dancing and general merriment. He handed the phone over to Jack who told me that he has traveled around the world and South Georgia, in his book, is something very special and not to be missed. Unfortunately we don't have any pictures of this night, but you can imagine that a good time was had by all.

Two days of exploring South Georgia followed. The first day everyone enjoyed visits to Gold Harbor where they saw elephant seals challenging each other, penguins and wandering albatross. They also went on a hike to a spectacular to a view point above the harbor. Later on they visted a smaller harbor with a derelict boat, "The Petral", a remnant of the old whaling history that is so much a part of the island.

Elephant seals enjoying the sun

The "Petral" an old whale catcher boat. These boats were notoriously uncomfortable in big seas. 

The next day everyone went on a hike from Maiviken Cove to Grytviken, the former whaling station and now home to a small museum and Ernest Shackleton's grave. Here's what Chris had to say about the hike:

"True to South Georgia’s variable climate the beautiful sunny skies we enjoyed during the morning hike quickly changed to cold rain and sleet. But the weather did not deter us from visiting Ernest Shackleton’s grave where we honored him with a toast."

Hiking from Maiviken Cove to Grytviken

Chris goes on to tell us "Grytviken was a whaling station that operated from 1904-1964. Some of the buildings, such as the small church, have been restored and there is a nice museum with artifacts and information on the whaling days at Grytviken. Some of the whaling vessels that were grounded on the beach remain as reminders of of the whaling activities. A replica of the James Caird, the boat that Shackleton used to sail from Elephant Island to South Georgia Island is housed in one of the buildings. Seeing the boat and its small size emphasizes just how amazing the voyage to South Georgia Island was." How true Chris!

Grytviken's church is the only structure that's being used as it's original purpose. It is still used occasionally for services including, would you believe it, weddings! According to Wikipedia there have been several marriages in Grytviken, the first being registered on 24 February 1932

Officially called the "Norwegian Lutheran Church" Grytviken's church was built in 1913
as a part of the Church of Norway.

Part of the group at Shackleton's gravesite.
 

 The group has now turned Northeast from South Georgia Island and they are heading towards Ushuaia, Argentina where they will arrive on November 3. Tonight Rick is hosting what may very well be the first-ever South Georgia Poetry Slam, complete with poems written by the Boss himself. We will share more about the Poetry Slam tomorrow. In the meantime, don't forget to listen to Scott's audio dispatch below and check back again tomorrow for another update from the team!