Porpoising Penguins!

This morning we are anchored at Cuverville, Antarctica -- home to a large colony of Gentoo penguins.

Unfortunately, Mr. W slept badly last night, and woke this morning with some sniffles, so we have opted to lie low today instead of a windy, cold, snowy shore landing.  Nevertheless, we have some pretty amazing views from our balcony, including these porpoising Gentoos.  They are so cute!  Only about 18" long, but they are excellent swimmers and they streak past the ship in small groups, leaping out of the water with the ease of acrobats.  They maneuver so swiftly that I'm afraid the quality of this image is not the best, but I will try to get a better shot as the day progresses.

Last night at dinner we were treated to an amazing show of three humpback whales "bubble netting" close to the ship.  An incredible sight!

Afternoon update:  Just after we ate lunch on the pool deck, our sister ship Endeavor appeared and slowly approached us.  It turned out that one poor lady on our ship slipped on the ice this morning when she was ashore and broke her leg very badly.  She had to be transferred by Zodiac to Endeavor, which is heading back to Chile with her aboard so that she can receive medical treatment there.  I feel so very sorry for her ... what an awful end to her (very short) holiday.