Hiking Campbell Island

The ship upped anchor and headed for Campbell Island, another remote NZ possession about 400 miles south of the south end of New Zealand’s South Island. My sciatica had flared up so I skipped the morning Zodiac rides around the bend to see the Campbell Island albatrosses but was ready to go for the hike up Lyall Col. This was about 2 miles up and 2 back with about 750 feet elevation gain all on a narrow boardwalk. The views were most rewarding

Several Royal Albatrosses were sitting on eggs right close to the trail and we were told not to stop for pics as the birds needed to concentrate on their eggs.

About halfway down we came upon a huddle of Royal Albatrosses fairly close to the trail

Then it was back to the ship, a hot shower and two beers.

I think we’ll now be at sea for a while until we hit the Ross Sea.