[password] rachel25
[position] 51 18.573s 060 14.532w
[status] Anchored at The Neck, Saunders Island
The wind finally abated, and the sun was out! We had a lovely sail to this anchorage, through the protected waters provided by many islets and escorted, as ever, by a group of Comersons Dolphins, known locally and rather sadly, I think, because they are so beautiful, as puffing pigs.

What a sight met us as at The Neck! The anchorage is on the south side of a low lying isthmus with beautiful white sandy beaches to either side. It was like Bondi Beach on a hot, summer, local holiday. Thousands of penguins everywhere, stepping on each others toes, running after their mothers, preening, feeding the kids, scratching themselves, or just taking it easy. Gentoo, Magellanic, King and Rockhopper. On the grassy sloped rising up from the sea to the east, is a nesting site for Black Browed Albatross. The large, fluffy, grey chicks were sitting pretty on their cylindrical, one bird nests, and the parents were taking turns to soar the updraft on the long smooth hill, their 2.5 metre wings rigid in the evening breeze.

All in the space of a mile, and the inhabitants not the least bit concerned about our presence. What a very special place. It makes us feel so very privileged.
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