Yankee Harbor

January 2, 2016 – Yankee Harbor 62.32S,59.47W

Overnight we headed north up Gerlache Srait.  Yankee Harbor is only a few miles from Half Moon Island, where we started our Antarctic experiences. However, it is on the Antarctic Peninsula.  The harbor is formed by a large terminal moraine in front of the glacier, which was too shallow for safety with the Seabourn Quest. The ship stayed outside the harbor, maneuvering on thrusters. Yankee Harbor was used by both American and British sealers as early as 1820, and the remnants of some of the try pots are still on the beach, along with a large Gentoo penguin colony.

Patrick went kayaking first thing in the morning, but the wind was brisk and the light flat with low visibility and fog. He did see a berg roll closeup.  With flat light and fog, as well as wind, all other kayak excursions ended up being cancelled.  Returning to the ship and changing clothes for the landing, Patrick then went ashore and toured the colony. The Gentoo penguins here had not yet begun to hatch.  Miriam elected to remain aboard.  Meanwhile, two humpback whales fed and cavorted around the ship. We had hoped to see elephant seals and penguin chicks, but neither were to be found.

Part of the terminal moraine

Remains of a try-pot

Evidence not all penguins survive

Abandoned eggs

Skua on the hunt

Just another Humpback Whale tail

What is a sailboat doing out here?

The Seabourn Quest left shortly after 1600 and headed north up the Bransfield Strait to our next and last destination before heading to South Georgia Island. Shortly before the 1830 briefing we encountered numerous Humpback whales and the captain stopped the ship so we could enjoy the views.