Penguins are thieves

Antarctica is so much more lively and colorful that you might imagine. And, good news...much warmer! Tourists travel to Antarctica in summer when temperatures hover around a balmy forty degrees Fahrenheit.

The colors of Antarctica: reds, greens and oranges from your traveling companions parkas; shiny black of penguin wings; silver zodiacs. Predominantly, the many shades of blue, the ever changing blues of icebergs, sea and sky.

Wildlife is all around. Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adélie penguins. Weddell, Crabeater and Leopard seals. And Orca, Humpback and Minke whales. Albatross, with their enormous wing span, follow behind the ships, glad of some company on their long, long journeys.

History is here also. Abandoned huts from early explorers, piled rock grave markers and the skeletons of failed planes and machinery.

Scientists live on their bases in Antarctica, sometimes for several years. The arrival of a ship means new conversation and opportunities for some light trading, perhaps a beanie in return for some fresh fruit from the ship. Everybody parts feeling happier for the encounter.

The clowns of Antarctica are the penguins, whose little bodies barely contain their enormous personalities. Human visitors honor the 20 foot rule, diligently keeping a distance from the flock. Penguins take full advantage of this restraint, charging kneecaps and pecking at boots with wild abandon.

When not defending their territory, penguins try to bolster their personal rock nests. One penguin will notice that the neighboring rock nest is temporarily unattended and dart across to steal a rock to bring back home. While he is stealthily thieving a rock, his own unattended nest is being raided. As is the one beside that. And so it goes.

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