"All the world loves a penguin: I think because in many respects they are like ourselves, and in some respects what we should like to be.” This quote comes from Apsley Cherry-Garrard in The Worst Journey in the World: A Tale of Loss and Courage in Antarctica.
Today we trundled along on the sea ice in the Tucker for two and a half hours to get to Cape Royds. On the way we found a seal-breathing hole being used my several different seals.
Weddell Seal in breathing hole
This is where Shackleton built a hut in February of 1908, almost 100 years ago. And this is where Cherry-Garrard saw the Adélie penguins that inspired the above quote.
Cape Royds Hut, built by Shackleton's expedition in 1908
You can't really see the colony but if we walk a little closer...
Cape Royds colony of Adélie penguins
Closer view of Adélie penguin
The adult penguins are just over two feet tall and weigh just over 10 pounds.
We couldn't stop taking pictures of them!
Penguin walking up
Penguin stepping down
Male penguin carrying rock to mate in nest
Two Adélie penguins
Penguin displaying
The SCINI team had a great afternoon at Cape Royds!