Danco Bay, 2/9/2022, National Geographic Resolution
Aboard the
National Geographic Resolution
Antarctica
This day marked our first foray into Antarctica. As we woke, we saw nothing but fog around us, masking the landscape from our view. But as we pulled into Danco Bay, the fog lifted. The majesty of Antarctica was revealed to us, including its denizens, the gentoo penguins that call this bay home.
Kayvon Malek is an underwater videographer whose work as an expedition guide and in the wildlife documentary industry have taken him pole to pole. After taking a scuba course on a whim in college, Kayvon’s newfound obsession led him to working as a r...
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The day was spent aboard National Geographic Endurance steaming to the north through the infamous Drake Passage. The morning began with easy rolling seas and foggy vistas. On the ship there was plenty to do to stay entertained, such as attending presentations and enjoying delicious food. Those on the bridge had exciting views of seabirds and whales. Two curious fin whales even raced the ship for a short time. The seas began to calm, and everyone took the opportunity to just sit and enjoy the sense of tranquility. As the day drew to a close, the skies brightened and everyone took advantage of the shades of blue to take some amazing images. What a day!
The day began as National Geographic Endurance slipped into the scenic Errera Channel. As operations began, the guests could choose from a variety of exciting options including kayaking or heading to land to enjoy a gentoo penguin colony. Some even enjoyed the tranquility of a Zodiac cruise through massive icebergs and feeding humpback whales. In the afternoon, the ship repositioned to Neko Harbor. For the last operation of the trip there was another chance for a continental landing or Zodiac cruises through the brash ice and seals. As the day ended, the ship moved out of the protected waters of the Antarctic Peninsula and began the adventure of the Drake Passage. What a day!
Like all good days of exploration, our morning started well before breakfast with a sighting of B2 killer whales, followed by a change of plans due to ice conditions at our desired landing. Quickly pivoting, the staff team scouted a new-to-Lindblad hiking location at Cape Bird, the southernmost point of the Tabarin Peninsula. Excited for an official continental landing, we meandered over black and red volcanic debris to reach the edge of a glacier and examined small marine creatures stranded on the beach by the last high tide. Snow flurries and wind picked up mid-day and reduced visibility, only making our Zodiac cruises around Devil Island more magical. Grounded pieces of sea and glacial ice created a sculpture garden to explore. Smells and sounds of the Adelie colony carried far from shore, and we delighted in watching penguins leap onto and dive off the icebergs. Multiple members of the National Geographic Endurance crew and staff previously worked at research stations on Antarctica, so this evening they shared stories and photos, deepening our appreciation of life on the continent.
