December 28th, 2017 ~ we landed on Elephant Point in the South Shetland Islands, which was covered in molting juvenile male southern elephant seals. It takes roughly a month or so for these huge marine mammals to regenerate their skin & fur, which they typically remain on shore throughout this time period. At times these animals will lie around on one another, which is known as a wallow, to conserve body warmth.
Its a scene of farting, belching, growling and slight continuous disagreements that cracks me up - except for the smell... it does stain your soul a little bit & your clothes... especially your clothes.
Besides the smell & somewhat soap opera scene, these animals are somewhat sensitive and curious to their surrounding environment. The sudden opening of their eyes and along with their continuous eye contact is intimidating and an incredible moment.
