South Georgia Island
South Georgia is a sub-Antarctic Island that lies in the southern Atlantic ocean in some of the most inhospitable seas in the world. It originated as a whaling station, and was made most famous by Shackleton, whose ship, the Endeavour was crushed by ice and sank, leaving him and his men marooned. On 21 November 1915 he and his men landed on Elephant Island at the beginning of the winter. He left his men there, and with two others, rowed 800 nautical miles to land on the southern face of the island, climbed the mountainous terrain in record time, and finally staggered into the whaling station. To this day, no-one has been able to reproduce this journey in the same time.
Today the whaling stations are closed, and the local flora and fauna are again enjoying the environment, disturbed only by the tourists who come here to admire them. The island is home to the largest populations of elephant seals, albatross and king penguins. The rats, reindeer and non-indigenous invaders are being removed, and there is hope that this island returns to being a safe breeding ground for these endangered species. Go see for yourself - I hope the magic I experienced entrances you as much as it did me.
Today the whaling stations are closed, and the local flora and fauna are again enjoying the environment, disturbed only by the tourists who come here to admire them. The island is home to the largest populations of elephant seals, albatross and king penguins. The rats, reindeer and non-indigenous invaders are being removed, and there is hope that this island returns to being a safe breeding ground for these endangered species. Go see for yourself - I hope the magic I experienced entrances you as much as it did me.
