After dinner last night as I was turning in my dishes to be washed by someone else(as they always are and the dishwasher told me that penguins had been spotted near town. Lots of the new folks haven’t seen one up close and personal so I went back into the dining hall to announce the news. For some unknown reason they all seemed to be excited and wanted to head out immediately to view them. I on the other hand hastened back to my room to brush my teeth and fetch big red because the wind was blowing and I knew once they saw those little critters a long photo session would ensue. Unfortunately the news turned out to be inaccurate or wishful thinking so no pictures were taken and we ended up at the coffee house for some evening card playing.

Earlier in the day, though, we did take a hike to the Skua nest to check on the chick. When we arrived the little fellow was huddled up against a rock with no parent in sight. Well, dad was a few meters away taking his morning bath. My friends were able to get some up close and personal pictures of the little guy before mom and dad came swooping in to protect their offspring. The baby hasn’t grown much this week but seems to be quit healthy. On the return walk we looked out in the Sound and there in her full glory was the Swedish icebreaker Oden chugging back and forth opening the shipping channel. She looks like a tugboat on steroids (although I don’t think she has had to appear before any Senate committees). Within a few days we should have our first ship in port. The whales should be close behind as should more penguins.