Here’s another caption contest: the pictures are of a mummified seal on Lake Bonney in the Dry Valleys near McMurdo Sound, Antarctica. This one died about 17 miles from the coast.
The air is a little dry around there.
Mummified seal near Lake Bonney, Antarctica. Photograph: Randy Sliester
Hey hon, wanna hang out? Photograph: Randy Sliester
For the top one:
Would you like to have a copy of The Watchtower?
I’m not sure I can follow that.
Hmmm, second one:
“Waiter! Canadian Club, on the rocks, please!”
i’m not even trying to be witty but that is soooooo cool!! Wonder what they thought when they found it?!?! And I wonder what it feels like to touch?!
Åsa: there are actually lots of those around in the Dry Valleys. And you’re not allowed to touch them, they’re protected by the Antarctic Treaty (which basically says: ’Don’t mess with the Antarctic’.
Bob: Most excellent!
Top one: My new hydrating face makes my skin look young and radiant.
“Seal shipping instructions: Keep on dry ice. Rehydrate upon receiving. Do not refreeze.”
For the bottom one:
Greetings, yogis and yoginis. This balancing Half Moon pose is known in Sanskrit as Ardha Chandrasana. Remember, smiling outside, smiling inside.
Bottom picture: “stop! stop! You’re killing me!”
“Long time, no sea”
haha :)
Steffi> I had no idea…. wow. And I kind of understand why not touching them but still, are they hard? hard but soft underneath? Pulver if you touch them? The questions are legio…..
For the top one:
The Phoca Lisa, painted by Pinnipardo Da Vinci using a special sealant technique, is famous for her mysterious smile.
LOL – really good stuff!
Åsa: I suspect crunchy throughout. I’ll bug my husband today (he took the pictures) for a close-up of the remains of the fur. If you’re into it, we found this interesting write-up with a bit of historical perspective.
Ah, the first member of Nature Network’s new Antarctic Hub.
Ah Matt, don’t give me ideas.
Åsa, here are some close-ups (this was a different seal mummy):
Close-up of fur
What are you staring at – so I have skin problems!