Enderby Island

After a day at sea the Douglas Mawson dropped anchor off of Enderby Island in the chain of islands known as the Auckland Islands, about 400 miles south of New Zealand. Enderby boasts one of the largest sea lion colonies in the world.

We were taken in via Zodiacs and landed on the beach

A large dominant male maintains a harem of ladies and an oversees the resulting pups.

The archipelago of islands were inhabited briefly by Maori venturers in 1270, according to the historian who delivered a most interesting lecture last night.

Aurora, the trip sponsor, has engaged historians, bird biologists and flora experts who provide interesting talks daily.

We basked in temps that kissed 60 Fahrenheit today making for a pleasant stroll on the boardwalk across the island.

The sea lions make their way up and over the bluffs to stretch out in the tussock grass along with the Royal Abatrosses, enormous snow white birds.

Hard guy Lester, veteran of about 200 round trips up Katahdin, joined a 6 hour hike around the circumference of the island while I spent the afternoon aboard ship keeping up with the happily victorious Pats. Here’s the cheap seats cabin we share.

Tomorrow we will be enjoying 2 Zodiac rides to other parts of the archipelago before upping anchor for Campbell Island.