Half Moon Island Trail

The Half Moon Island Trail is a short () foot path located on the Antarctic island of Half Moon Island. The trail allows tourists that are visiting the island to get an up close view of Chinstrap Penguins, and also makes it easier for scientists studying the penguins to reach them. The trail became popular on September 30, 2007, when Google Maps announced that they were giving street view access to it. The path is not paved, but is marked by a series of red flags.
Description
The trail begins at the eastern coast of Half Moon Island, where the island meets the Atlantic Ocean. The trail proceeds along highly rocky terrain in the summer months, which is snow covered during the winter. The trail passes several breeding grounds for Chinstrap Penguins. The path then passes three large mountains, and continues at a sloped angle along the rocky coast. The trail then turns to a northeast direction, and passes through the central region of the island, before turning back to a west direction. The trail continues through the central area of the island, before turning to a northeast direction, and continues in that direction until a few yards short of the coast.
History
The trail became internationally known on September 30, 2007, when added the route to Google Street View, meaning seven continents had imagery through the service. The trail had existed previous to then, but was little known, except to scientists and tourists who visited the island.
Use
The trail is in operation year-round, but is not usually used, unless as a stop during an Antarctic cruise. The peak of visitation is during November-March, which is the period when the penguins mate, the eggs hatch, and the chicks begin to grow. The Cámara Base, an Argentinean naval base, is operational during the summer, but is closed during the winter due to the harsh conditions. The trail is the main access route for the base.
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