Southward bound! National Geographic Orion steamed steadily toward the Australian exclave of Macquarie Island today. We had bright sunshine overhead and perfect wind as flying birds blew across the waves. We spent all day in the company of albatrosses and petrels, the world’s most impressive fliers. With wingspans of over ten feet, the southern royal albatross simply glides with ease in any wind. We were regaled with informative lectures by the natural history staff and treated to exquisite service by the crew. A very exciting day awaits us tomorrow at Macquarie Island.