Germar's Monthly Updater

March 2003: Palmer Station, Antarctica Part 3: Deception Island Check box, if you don't want to see comments when enjoying full-size pictures.

On the way back from Palmer Station we stopped at Deception Island, a curiously shaped Antarctic outpost with an active volcano and a rich history of exploration. It was first occupied between 1911 and 1931 by Norwegian whalers. In 1944, the British Royal Navy established a base. After World War II, it was handed over to the forerunner of the British Antarctic Survey and became a research station. The base had to be closed in 1969 when the volcano caused a mud-flow, which destroyed most of the buildings. Nowadays, the island is a popular destination for cruise ships. One attraction are geo-thermal springs. The water is warm enough to take a bath.

Island Overview

Deception Island Neptunes Bellows Fildes Point Going on shore "Only leave footprints" Zodiac predecessor

Gentoo Penguins The island is full of wildlife (the other attraction for tourists). Most frequent are Gentoo penguins.

Beach stroll Proud Gentoo Lazy Gentoo Curious Gentoo Polar plunge The better days are over

Seals and Whales Seals are almost as frequent as penguins. I have been charged more than once when I unintentionally got too close...

Polar gossip The boss Old whale bones

Whaler's Bay

View on Whaler's Bay On the cliff Dwarfed by black rocks

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