Tourist do not have priority on this ship – it is supply vessel sailing south to bring scientists and all they need to work in this remote region. In the morning we unloaded people and stuff in Laperouse Bay on the southern coast.
Before the clouds covered mountains I saw the highest peak on the island: sharp Pic du Mascarin – it has 934 m. They say that it is possible to climb it from the base (it takes 3 hours eachway). Then along the southern coast we sailed back to the base. Helicopter took us to the American Bay on the NE coast. Scientists have there little shelter accommodating 4 people. King penguins and seals are wondering around.
American Bay or BUS – like they say here – took the name from American sealers which worked here during few seasons in the early 20th century. We saw the foundations of their houses – but it is nothing special. Then we crossed a river (rubber boots are necessary) and took a walk up to the bottom of the Morne Rouge hill. Skuas, giant petrel and rockhopper penguins were on our way. But the biggest attraction was view in the La Petite Manchotiere – another king penguin colony. Penguins share the beach with giant elephant seals. And elephant seals were just making love in front of them. And I do not think they were ashamed!
Rain started when we returned to BUS and the evacuation to the ship by helicopter was rather dramatic – Pascal, our master-pilot decided to fly just over the surface of the water around the island.
Now it is the time to dry all stuff – they have free dryer on our deck.
