We’ve been in South Georgia for a week now, sailing along the northeast coast. After arriving in the northwest of the archipelago at Right Whale Bay, we’ve been making our way slowly eastward—from bay to bay, from anchorage to anchorage. Each place is more beautiful than the last. They’re all special, impressive, teeming with life, and often nestled in spectacular scenery. And since we’ve been here, we’ve mostly had incredible luck with the weather: five days of sunshine in a row, with hardly any wind at times—not necessarily perfect for sailing, but ideal for landing in the dinghy and enjoying plenty of activities on land.
We have had some rich, full days.
Countless sightings, touching moments, and encounters with the fascinating wildlife. Spectacular views, vistas, and hikes through this uniquely beautiful landscape. And time and again, the evidence and relics of a brief era of human presence—one that, from today’s perspective and an ecological standpoint, is largely unflattering—in the form of the remains of old whaling stations in Prince Olav Harbor, Stromness, or Leith.
It’s been a very intense time. There are so many new and extraordinary experiences every day that it’s hard to take them all in.
My “hard drive” is pretty full right now, at least, and my mind needs a little rest and a break to sort through and process it all.
So today, I’m treating myself to a little time off—alone—on a hike in Moltke Harbor, Royal Bay.