Jan 25, 2016
Casey Youngflesh
On our way south through the Gerlache Strait we stopped off at Cuverville Island. Some decided to make to hike to the top of the island, to check out the views on offer, while others stayed low to get a better look at the resident gentoo penguins. It is, after all, hard to grow tired of watching these little creatures bumble around on land. Quite of lot of snow remained on the slopes, even now in late January. Many of the rocky bits of the island not occupied by the penguins are covered with bright green moss, with orange lichens interspersed throughout.
Our anchorage for the night was just outside Gonzalez Videla Station, a Chilean base on the north side of the stunning Paradise Bay. Upon our arrival, the base staff insisted that we come over to their ‘pub’. This establishment consisted of a two story building on the far side of the small island, located immediately adjacent to the gentoo penguin colony at the base. Needless to say, we accepted the invitation and were treated to an entertaining night, filled with pisco, snacks, music, and dancing. Our hosts were also keen to point out ‘Pepo’, an all white, leucistic gentoo penguin that served as the unofficial mascot of the base. A real treat to see such a rare site in Pepo, and to be able to kick back for a night of fun at the base.
