In Search of Emperor Penguins V2

Seeing Emperor Penguins is never guaranteed in Antarctica, especially seeing large emperor colonies, as they are formed well into the sea ice, far from the reaches of zodiacs.
Oceanwide Expeditions is one of the very few cruise/expeditions ships that has an onboard helipad and ferries its guests to and from the colonies … but only when weather, ocean and sea-ice (including icebergs) conditions align to allow such flights.
Luck was on our side with perfect weather conditions and minimal iceberg obstruction allowing us access within 20kms of the Snow Hill Island emperor penguin colony. In fact, these conditions remained stable for 2 consecutive days allowing us the very rare privilege of going to the colony on both days.
The flight was just 10 minutes, followed by a 1km walk.
Experiencing Emperor penguin colonies first hand is breathtaking and for many it was truly an emotional experience, as evidenced by the tears shed by those who were so overcome with the magnitude of what stood before them.
What fascinated me most was how inquisitive the emperor penguins can be. So many of them, adults and chicks alike, showed absolutely no fear and curiously waddled around and amongst us.