Quiet COURAGE

In this bleak but magnificent landscape, Tessa realised that bravery comes in many forms

- Sue McVerry

Here’s to The Boss.’ Simon downs his tot of vodka in one. We all follow suit, huddling in the chill grey mist and stand for a while quietly paying our respects to the famous polar explorer.

‘Rumour has it that Sir Ernest Shackleton himself enjoyed the odd tipple,’ Simon tells us. ‘That’s how this tradition developed. Everyone drinks a toast to The Boss when they visit his final resting place. As well as honouring the great man, it’s a perfect way to combat the cold before we set off to visit the stars of South Georgia, otherwise known as the king penguins. I’ll hand you over to our expedition leader Tessa to tell you more about them.’

‘Thanks, Simon.’ I look around at the small crowd, all raring for the next part of this great adventure.

‘I know you really enjoyed seeing all the different types of penguin down in Antarctica a couple of weeks ago,’ I begin. ‘Well that was nothing compared to the numbers waiting for us here. Just over that hill, there are literally thousands of them. South Georgia is home to the second-largest of all the penguin species. King penguins are about the height of a four-year-old child – much larger than the ones you’ve already seen. They have no fear of humans, so you can wander among them or just sit and watch as they go about their business. They’re very sociable and inquisitive, so they may well come up close to check you out. Is everyone ready?’

Everyone in the group nods enthusiastically. This is the moment they have waited for.

‘OK, let’s go. Enjoy!’