Calm after the Storm

 

The Storm finally abated on Tuesday (12thMar) and we headed for Bird Island. (For those not in the know Bird Island is a small islet a few hundred metres off the western most point of S. Georgia. BAS run a small research station there that is manned all year round).  Conditions were not good enough to work our small boats so we proceeded overnight to King Edward Point(KEP).

What a difference a day can make, the scene greeting us on Wednesday morning as we approached KEP was spectacular. The storm had left a substantial covering of snow on the ground turning the Island into eye-candy of note. 

We were alongside soon enough and cargo work began immediately. There was hardly a breath of wind all day and bright sunshine most of the time.  By evening time we ready to depart and the fading light we slipped our ropes and headed off. A few farewell toots on the horn bidding adieu to KEP for the last time this season.

We are now on way to Bird Island, a slow overnight steam. The weather forecasts look good and hopefully we be able to complete all our work there on Thursday.

Gryviken

Fisheries Patrol vessel Pharos at Gryviekn

 

S.Georgia Pintail

 The S. Georgia Pintail is one of the birds severely afftected by the Rats on the Island. Their breeding has ben severely curatialed as the rats have been preying on the chicks. Recently the numbers have increased
dramaticaly in areas that have been "treated" for Rats. 

Pintails

Grytviken

Fur seal pup