Thursday, January 14, 2016: Anchored off Gold Harbor in the morning and Cooper Bay in the afternoon, South Georgia

Weather Forecast: rain showers and sleet expected; temperature approximately 32-36°F; moderate breeze NNW-W 20 mpg

Gold Harbour lies at the foot of the Salversen Range, about 12 miles north of Cape Vashel. An amphitheater of hanging glaciers and vertical cliffs rises out of the sea, while the snow-covered peaks of Mt. Paterson create a backdrop to an abundance of king penguins and elephant seals.

At least that’s what we were told. This morning began with snow. The zodiacs were ready to take us ashore but the snow and cold kept many of us bundled up onboard where the view was magnificent.

It continued to snow until it was close to white out conditions; we chose to stay onboard and take in the view from afar.