Day 18 Afternoon
After cruising the Southern Ocean for two days & two nights we arrived at the desolate Elephant Island, Antarctica. After a scenic ship cruise around the island we started the landing on the very same place as Ernest Shackleton and his 22 men stayed while they waited for rescue in 1914. This is our first landing in Antarctica. As the name Point Wild indicates, the place is known for rough conditions. The landing time was very short due to swell and wind but lucky to land at this site to witness
the unbearable environment, Antarctica’s ferocious weather system. Apart from Chinstrap & Gentoo penguins, fur seals and Antarctic birds there was a statue on the rocky beach to memorize the work done by Captain Wild. The site is the location where the crew of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s shipwrecked Endurance expedition camped for four months until rescued in August 1916 by the Chilean Naval vessel, commanded by Captain Pardo. The only available food for them at this spot was penguins and seals. A bust of captain Luis Alberto Pardo, with a monolith and plaques, have been placed at the point.
