Back in January, Oregon State student Emi Ikeda wrote the cover story for her hometown newspaper, The Crewswell Chronicle. Having just returned from our Antarctica program, Emi recounted all the trip’s highlights.

Here’s a brief excerpt from Emi’s article, including her memory of Popper the chinstrap penguin pecking at her knee. Emi sent us photos of the article published, pictured right and below, but be sure to read the full story here.

“Our final day in Antarctica was my favorite. We traveled north to the South Shetland Islands, and anchored in Whalers Bay on Deception Island.

Trapped by stormy weather, we spent a relaxing morning on the ship. After lunch we were able to land on the island. The historic whaling station located at Whalers Bay was fun to explore, but the highlight of the day was the wildlife.

A curious chinstrap penguin that I called Popper gave me a great Christmas present when it ran up to me and pecked at my knee. We were also able to see a young Weddell seal that was hauled out on the beach. Antarctica was bidding me farewell by giving me close encounters with two of my favorite Antarctic species.”