Icebergs, Penguins and Seals - Two wonderful trips to the Atka Bay. Dec 2009

This November the first two groups visited the Emperor Penguin colony on the fast ice of the Atka Bay.
After landing on the blue ice surface of the Eckstom ice shelf the colony could be seen in some distance on the fast ice of the Atka Bay. After an easy short walk along huge bright blue ice cliffs and shining icebergs the group reached the edge of the colony. Everybody was amazed by the mass of these majestic birds and their fluffy, cute chicks stretching to the horizon of this unreal environment. The penguins seemed to have no fear and observed the visitors with the same interest like they observed them.

A beautiful castle-like iceberg nearby gave the opportunity to get close to Weddell seals and their pubs. The seals use the tidal cracks and wholes near the iceberg to get to the water. For those who needed a rest and some snacks a tent was set up on the ice.
Several hours later everybody went back to the airplane with an unforgettable experience in his mind and hundreds of pictures and video footage on their cameras.

(You can see both pictures in full size by clicking them.)