The Island of South Georgia 2005

Iceberg, South Georgia

South Georgia Album »

Way down near Antarctica lies the beautiful island of South Georgia , a British possession. Not far from the South Pole, it is almost completely covered by ice and snow. Northbound icebergs break into pieces and fill the surrounding seas. Seals and penguins populate the island. There are four different species of seals, among them the elephant seal and the aggressive fur seal. Penguins number in the millions, and are also of four different species: macaroni, chinstrap, gentoo and, most friendly of all, the king penguin.

Four days' sailing from the Falkland Islands and we were ready to get into our kayaks and start paddling, the yacht, our rescue and support vessel, not too far away. Some days we had comfortable paddling weather (despite the freezing-cold air), but other days we struggled against 35-knot winds in search of a safe beach to land on for the day. After 13 days and 650 kilometers , we reached the finish point, where we were met by researchers of the British Antarctic Survey (BAS). Falling snow, brilliant flares and a solo saxophone welcomed us back in style.

Expedition members: Peter Bray, Nigel Dennis, Jeff Allen and Hadas.