16th March – Leaving the Great White
So today, sadly, was our final landing of the trip. The Plancius anchored off Trinity Island at the northern end of the Gerlache Strait, surrounded by spectacular glacier amphi-theatre. Some of us had been on marine mammal and bird watch during the approach to the anchorage and sa
w a big calving off one of the glacier faces. The zodiacs began boarding at 8am, taking us the short distance to shore to the small island of Mikkelsen Harbour. Lars and some of the group took some more CTD readings before landing and were lucky enough to encounter leopard seals close up circling the zodiac curiously looking at us.
Mikkelsen Harbour features an emergency refuge hut which the staff checked over to ensure that it’s in functional condition should it ever be needed. The small island was covered in snow, much of it “decorated” with signs of penguin activity. And penguins there were plenty. We all got some fantastic 
photographs and more close up encounters. Fur seals were also present on the shore, boisterously playing among the remains of a small wooden boat and some whale bones. Much to our delight, a lovely Weddell seal had also come ashore and was rolling around on the snow, among the fur seals and penguins. Another fantastic photo opportunity, especially with the snow-covered mountains in the background. Seeing the Weddell seal beside the fur seals really emphasised the difference between the two seal types. (Yes, we’re all becoming species ID experts!).
After having gotten used to the sunshine of the last few days, today, which was cloudy, seemed rather chilly rather quickly. Slightly frozen but happy we returned to the ship to continue our marine mammal and bird sightings surveys as soon as the ship had heaved anchor. We crossed the Bransfield Strait, and as we passed Smith Island plenty of humpback whales and grey-headed albatross kept both teams rather busy. We then headed out again into the feared Drake Passage. Luckily the forecast is for a calm “Drake Lake”, in contrast to the “Drake Shake” on the journey downwards. We’re all looking forward to a calm crossing and hope to spot some more marine mammals on route, and perhaps some we have not seen before!
Holly (SH student)