Dwelling to the world’s largest breeding inhabitants of king penguins, 30 million breeding pairs of seabirds, and half the world’s southern elephant seals, South Georgia is likely one of the best locations on earth for wildlife.
Nonetheless, with a historical past of whaling, it is capital Grytviken has an uncomfortable historical past and if it weren’t for the way in which the wildlife has reclaimed this breathtaking panorama for its personal, is perhaps a haunting place to go to.
Reclaimed by wildlife
Grytviken doesn’t draw back from its ugly industrial previous and huge oil tanks and chimneys nonetheless dominate the panorama. However the truth that penguins now march confidently previous the rusting equipment and seals might be seen sunbathing on the previous flat the place whales had been as soon as slaughtered, makes visiting a hopeful expertise. Much more poignant are the whales that may be seen splashing within the bay as soon as once more.
From the second you arrive on this spectacular panorama, you might be met with breathtaking scenes. From the huge, snow-capped mountains to the curious fur seals that run proper as much as you, this is likely one of the most unimaginable locations on earth
Steeped in historical past
Grytviken can be the place the nice explorer Ernest Shackleton is buried and sports activities a lovely Norwegian church, proof of the group that after lived right here. Highlights of a go to right here embody the South Georgia Heritage Belief Museum. This house to a very fascinating assortment. From a whale’s eye and foetus to greeting playing cards that includes my very own work of king penguins, it’s presumably some of the fascinating museum’s I’ve ever visited.
Scientific analysis
South Georgia can be house to the British Antarctic Survey, the place biologists stationed at a tiny base at King Edward Level monitor wildlife populations and extra. On my journey I used to be fortunate sufficient to satisfy a former resident. Beverley Verwoert lived on the island as a baby. Her father was the senior wi-fi operator till 1960 and it was an absolute priviligde to listen to her firsthand reminiscences of on a regular basis life – together with her uncle’s encounter with the station policeman and her makes an attempt to coach a chin strap penguin as a pet!
Subsequent time
Grytviken is a very fascinating place. From its exceptional wildlife to its fascinating historical past, it’s effectively price a go to. Be part of me subsequent time as I journey down the coast to St Andrew’s Bay, house to the most important breeding colony of king penguins on the planet
With particular because of:
Wildfoot Journey
Beverley Verwoert
South Georgia Heritage Belief Museum
The South Georgia Whalers’ Reminiscence Financial institution challenge
The British Antarctic Survey
*TRAVEL LIKE ME*
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If you would like to observe in my footsteps to observe penguins discover out extra right here: https://www.robertefuller.com/pages/destination-antarctica-south-georgia-the-falkland-islands
