7th.& 8th.February, Bluff Cove – Gentoo Penguins
Because it had not been possible to leave the ship the day before due to the high winds, another nature trip was offered as an alternative to a historical tour for those who wanted it. It was more a jeep, or rather long-wheelbase Landrover, safari than a walk to Bluff Cove where there is a large colony of Gentoo penguins. There were even a few King penguins in the middle of it and plenty of chicks, all quite large at this time of year, but not yet molted. One could follow the penguin trail to the sea at a large sandy beach and see them diving through the breakers or returning from them. At the end of the tour we were given tea and cakes including scones with jam and cream. Again it was like a time warp seeing the typical English ladies serving, but I was very glad of their efforts because it had been a long day with breakfast at 6.00am.
The following day we were back on the open sea, having left the Falklands already the previous evening on the way to South Georgia, which would take 2-3 days. It was still fairly rough and the ship was rolling. At lunch plates of food were sliding across the tables as I had experienced before sometimes on cross-channel ferries. I was feeling more or less ok but took 2 pills again to be on the safe side. Later it was less windy, but there was still a heavy swell.