We are Here!

Mountains jutted out of the sea before us, taller than those of the Chilean fjords. Thousands of animals, from terns to seals, surrounded us, guiding us in to their homeland. Terns and prions fluttered within feet of the deck. Albatrosses glided through the air, dipping their wings inches away from the waves. Below and around us, penguins were fishing. Gentoo, Chinstrap, King, Magallenic, Rockhopper, and Macaroni were all represented, swimming in groups and disappearing after short breaks on the surface. A humpback whale rolled a flipper up and seemed to wave to us. A right whale gave a tail flap. Seals, numbering in the thousands, leapt and dove, swimming in a porpoising action. Stunning, cloud-shrouded mountains and an abundance of wildlife completed the dream.

For nearly a year, I have read and dreamed about coming to this place. Finally we can see the harsh island packed with wildlife and beautiful scenery. Last night was like trying to fall asleep in Santa's Palace on Christmas Eve. Similarly, this passage from the Falkland/Malvinas turtled along. Though it was only six days, the passage felt much longer. Without much difference in day-to-day activity, my thoughts kept returning to the mountainous island not far ahead.

Finally we are here. I look around and cannot believe what I see. A dozen king penguins stand casually around, looking curiously at passers-by. Fur seals wander around the rusty old whaling station. One ton elephant seals snooze in their wallows. It all seems false. My mind just won't wrap around the fact that I am standing on the place that I have dreamed about for months. I am in South Georgia. - Porter