I've had many questions posed about seeing seals and penguins, and disappointingly, I've not yet seen penguins up close. But, I did get to see a couple of seals yesterday out at the dive hole near Cape Evans Wall. The dive hut had been removed on Friday as the ice cracks in the area are continuing to thin in anticipation of the arrival of open water. So, with our "apple" in tow, and dive gear, ECW and survival bags stuffed among us, we headed out to Cape Evans.
When we arrived, we spotted a rather large seal on the ice near the hole, but the surprise was yet to come. Even with only two days exposure to the air, the dive hole was quite thick with slush and ice...when what to my wondering eyes should appear but a nose attached to a very young seal! (I LOVE the shape of the nostrils. What does it look like to you??)
Wedell Seal nose amidst some serious slush.
Because you're too blasted cute!!
It was pretty obvious that this little guy was struggling to get his head above all the slush and ice accumulation, but once we were able to remove the slurry within, he decided that he wanted up on the ice. (Try getting yourself out of a hole without using your arms, and then you can appreciate the challenge facing seals.) He heaved and heaved until he eventually propelled himself out of the dive hole up onto the ice where he slugged his way away from us to be nearer to his fellow seal.
This young seal checks out what we're doing.
Once he'd claimed his spot, he proceeded to rub his face in the snow much like my four legged niece Abbey did as a puppy when the Gentle Leader was on. She'd face surf in leaves, snow, mud...whatever! Well, this youngin' face surfed in the snow!
This young seal seemed to enjoy rubbing his face in the snow.
Do I have something on my face??
After a good face surfing, he spotted his friend nearby and decided to mosey on over to join him.
This young seal's curiousity was not appreciated by his older above ice companion.
Bad decision. His elder was in no way receptive to sharing and not only vocalized displeasure but showed some serious looking teeth as well. (And , you thought seals were cute...trust me, you certainly don't want to make them mad or get too close!)
After both seals worked out their issues, they resumed their Sunday afternoon R & R.
This adult seal chills on the ice while we dive nearby.
Am I cute or what?!?! A young Wedell Seal near Cape Evans Wall
Our young friend seems pretty comfortable and content.
While the divers were in their little under ice world, a most amazing thing happened. Both seals made many vocalizations much to our delight! I've never heard such sounds before! My favorite was a chirping sound made in the throat. Most fascinating to watch and listen to. So, enjoy the following iMovie and be sure to turn up the volume and listen closely!
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