Landing on Half-moon Island

January 31, 1994

While we rode out to the island, we saw Chinstrap Penguins swimming in the water of Half-moon Bay right next to our Zodiac. They were within ten feet at some times, and I was worried that we might even run them over.

Our landing site on Half-moon Island

When we landed, there were Chinstraps all over the beach, and several fur seals nearby. We stayed away from the fur seals, since the Antarctic Treaty System clearly states that we must remain 50 feet away from them at all times.

Chinstrap penguins and a sad-looking fur seal surrounded by kelp

The beach, and in fact all of the island that we visited, was covered with large stones mixed with mud, and a great deal of Penguin guano. Growing between the stones in most places was a very small lichen or moss. Something green, anyway. I'm trying to start a habit of taking at least one closeup picture of the ground at each place we visit to give an idea of the difference in the terrain, which seems so far to be greatly varied.

Pebbles and guano on Half-moon Island

You can walk with the penguins, or return to today's table of contents.