Once the Ice Broke Up ...

After a day of strong winds blowing from the north the ice broke up and moved away from station this week. As a result, the researchers were finally able to get off station and visit nearby islands and water collection spots. Meanwhile back at station, without the thick ice, we had some visitors.

 A lone Adelie penguin. 

 Three Gentoo penguins.

 A juvenile Southern Elephant Seal pretending he's a rock.

 And lots of humans enjoying take out lunch on a calm sunny day.

A Picture Speaks a Thousand Words

Me and Mount Williams, Anvers Island, Antarctica

Sun, Ice and a Penguin

We have had sunny days recently. Went on an early morning walk today behind the station, onto the glacier ...

 and then down to water on another part of the island.

 Saw some recent penguin tracks and a penguin off in the distance.

As I was walking away I heard a honk and the penguin was running over to check me out. After he realized I wasn't who he thought I was, he ran off. Comical.

Shades of Pink at Palmer

Unlike my last summer here at Palmer the surrounding waters are still covered with sea ice so we can't take the Zodiacs out and visit nearby islands. But it is so beautiful, I can't complain. I'm enjoying the ice and pink reflections at sunset.

Halloween at Palmer - the infamous pink onesie turns into the Pink Panther