The Galapagos of the Southern Ocean

[craven morehead]

I can pick the right stuff.

Especially Malbecs

 

[JohnM]

It was then a 36h or so haul NE to Campbell Island. Fairly rough but not the corkscrewing washing machine effect experienced on the way S.

Campbell Island is NZ’s southernmost subantarctic territory. In 2001 a major rat eradication program was undertaken and was a model for the Macca program.

The first day was windy with drizzle and low cloud. A more typical S Ocean day. A morning Zodiac cruise along a section of coast concluded with a visit to what is believed to be the world's most remote tree - a solitary Sitka spruce, more than 100 years old.

 

[JohnM]

A landing in the afternoon and a walk on a boardwalk that extended several km through albatross nesting areas to a high point – but no views of the W coast that day.

 

[JohnM]

An interesting encounter on the way back. A male sea lion following/pushing a female up the boardwalk.

 

[JohnM]

The next day dawned calm and clear. It was a toss-up whether to get up very early to tackle an ascent to the top of the main hill, or later re-trace the boardwalk and get some better views, or do a Zodiac ride down Perseverance Harbour and out along the ocean cliffs.

I chose the Zodiac ride and it was sensational but, by all accounts, every option came up trumps. A great final island encounter before the ocean crossing to Invercargill.



The light-mantled sooty albatross is a beautiful bird.



The big fella had tight control over his harem, circled by hopefuls.

 

[JohnM]

Rockhopper penguins were abundant.

 

[JohnM]

Back to the ship and a calm lunch before up-anchor and heading out of Perseverance Harbour and initially heading W along the coast to take in the massive out-of-bounds Campbell Island albatross colony. Along with that, a lot of soaring action around the ship.

 

[JohnM]

What a finale!

The next day was at sea with the usual wrap-up of an AV presentation put together by the expedition crew – which of course made me feel even more photographically inadequate.

After berthing at Bluff, the port for Invercargill, early the following morning and clearing NZ border control I had most of the day to kill before flying out to CHC and onto PER xSYD the next day.

Invercargill has an amazing transport museum that should not be missed if ever there. I easily filled in about 4h there, with lunch at its very good café. It really is world-class. Transport World - Wikipedia

 

[JohnM]

And ‘bowser’ for dispensing fuel was originally a family trade name. It started as a means of safely dispensing paraffin fuel for home use at general stores.



Pushing back and hauling out of CHC at sparrow’s the next day.



Hauling out of SYD and over far SW NSW en route to PER.



And, as reported elsewhere, the grand finale: the addition of a rather large moth gave new meaning to the fresh, seasonal, sustainable, blah blah blah NP ‘salad’.



And that's all, folks .

 

[RooFlyer]

Hang on. You show this pic at almost any Uni geology department around the world and you'll get a fist fight. Explain it if you dare!!

 

[VPS]

As always a great TR - thanks. What was it that interested in going there in the first place - was it the birds, wildlife or because it was there

 

[OZDUCK]

Thanks very much for a fascinating TR. You were certainly well and truly 'off the beaten track'.

 

[JohnM]

As always a great TR - thanks. What was it that interested in going there in the first place - was it the birds, wildlife or because it was there

A bit of all - my main preference these days is going to unusual, isolated and 'wild' places.

 

[JohnM]

Hang on. You show this pic at almost any Uni geology department around the world and you'll get a fist fight. Explain it if you dare!!

View attachment 200829

My rock pics are not simply random, you know...

 

[drron]

Thanks JohnM for bringing back some great memories.Macca was a little different 9 years ago as they had fenced in areas to trial the methods of eradication both for eficacy and safety.Main concern was the skuas and them eating the dead carrion.However one problem was the large bull elephant seals.They would approach a fence,rear up and come crashing down on it.The fences were no match.

However you had PERfect seas for the Great Southern Ocean.Coming back from Macca we had a storm so much like you left a little area.That night the seas were a 15 metre swell with occasional waves to 18 metres.Only 3 pax at brekkie next morning.

 

[craven morehead]

Sensational TR dinky camera notwithstanding

 

[kermatu]

Great TR. And lovely to be able to discuss a bit of it in person the other day!

 

[RooFlyer]

Meh. No need to go to Macquarie Island for the King Penguins ...

'Fat' king penguin spotted on Tasmanian beach

A king penguin has been sighted on a Southern Tasmanian beach, but experts say it may not be lost.

www.abc.net.au

However, the ABC is geographically challenged:

It is believed to be only the third king penguin sighting on Tasmanian shores in 15 years.

 

[bPeteb]

View attachment 200820

Thank you, brilliant TR John. Soooooo many different penguins. I'm going to show my partner this tonight and plant the seed...

The winning pic for me though - the SM!

 

[SuePa]

Great TR, John M. Thanks for sharing.
You had better weather at Enderby Is. I did the long walk in pouring rain and a howling wind. My short legs found the thick mud and huge grassy hummocks very challenging. It was where I discovered my waterproof boots were not waterproof!