WILDLIFE
e unique wildlife can be one of the main reasons for visiting
the Antarctic. For me, the opportunity to capture images began
on the crossing of the Drake, with possibly my favourite bird, the
Albatross. It's mesmerising to spend time watching these masters
of effortless flight as they ride the wind in long arcs behind the
ship, their wings locked just inches above the wave tops. en
there's Gentoo penguins, as comical and ungainly on land as they
are sleek and streamlined underwater. ese creatures are a
delight with an enchanting curiosity and no fear of humans. Up
by the water's edge you may see groups of fat, sleepy Southern
Elephant seals, sprawled out like tired Sumo wrestlers, rising
occasionally to angrily bark and bellow at each other. Whales
(probably Humpbacks) will be readily seen, and heard – I'll never
forget the uncanny sound of water, blasted out of their blowholes,
breaking through the silence.
100
VIKING
