At Sea, Drake Passage, 11/29/2017, National Geographic Explorer
Aboard the
National Geographic Explorer
Antarctica
The first full day of our expedition saw us tackle the infamous Drake Passage. Opinion is always divided regarding who wants a rough crossing versus who wants a calm crossing. However, we seemed to get the best of both worlds today: while the sea was rough (up to 20-foot swells), it was a following sea and the National Geographic Explorer handled it superbly. It was a classic birding day, with a total of six different albatross species seen!
For as long as he can remember, Conor has always been preoccupied with the natural world, from the whales to the fungi. For most of his life he has been an islander: growing up in Cobh, Ireland and settling down in Tobermory in the Hebrides, Scotland...
Eric began his life on the far western edge of Chicago, where the concrete meets the cornfields. His inspiration has always drawn from the expansive beauty of the natural world, as well as the endless forms that populate it.
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Chasing sunshine, we remained in the Weddell Sea overnight and were rewarded by a calm and beautiful day in Croft Bay on James Ross Island. Numerous activities took place, including a Zodiac cruise, kayaking, and a long walk on the island. A highlight of any Antarctic trip is the polar plunge, and many guests took the leap into icy waters. After lunch we cruised in Zodiacs below the amazing waterfalls of Vega Island.
Finally, Antarctica! After two days spent crossing the Drake Passage, we reached our destination. Early this morning, with sunlight illuminating glaciated peaks, we woke to the sight of a pod of orcas—a remarkable welcome under perfect weather conditions. Shortly after, Zodiacs navigated through icebergs to Pourquoi Pas Island, where we observed Adelie penguin colonies and hiked along the moraine for stunning glacier views. Calm seas and ideal conditions continued into the afternoon, allowing us to kayak through a glacier-lined bay. We paddled among seals and penguins resting on icebergs, creating unforgettable memories. The day ended with eighty-two adventurous guests taking the Antarctic Polar Plunge, earning well-deserved patches in waters colder than the freezing point of freshwater. Ended? Well, not quite. South of the Antarctic Circle, where the sun neither rises nor sets near the solstice, guests continued to enjoy the ship and the views. As National Geographic Endurance continued southward through the pack ice, some guests took in the view from the Bridge or outside decks, while others contemplated it from the sauna or the hot tubs. It was an ideal end to an extraordinary day.
Ahoy from the Drake! This is day two of our crossing of the Drake Passage. All are in good spirits as crossing the Drake is part of the experience of journeying to Antarctica. By afternoon, the seas calmed to a gentle roll. It was quite pleasant. Guests were briefed on a myriad of subjects from Zodiac safety to biosecurity protocols. We are headed to visit the most pristine and untouched wilderness on the planet. Protecting this place is at the top of everyone’s list. Guests enjoyed educational talks by a few of our expert staff members. Vigilant guests spotted a few humpback whales and over five wandering albatrosses! We closed the day by crossing into the Antarctic Circle, a dream come true for many guests on board National Geographic Endurance . Tomorrow will be our first opportunity to land in Antarctica. The excitement is palpable.
