Early this morning National Geographic Explorer silently crossed the Antarctic convergence on its way across the Drake Passage, heading for the Antarctic Peninsula. You could feel the temperature drop dramatically from the previous night! Many of us took the opportunity to catch up on some needed sleep, recharging our batteries before the activity level increased in the coming days. Soon it would be almost 24 hours of daylight, two or three different activities per day, and countless hours out on deck looking at wildlife and dramatic scenery!
Throughout the day there was a variety of seabirds that continued to follow us as we made the final approach to the peninsula. The seemingly ever-present giant petrels, cape petrels and our first glimpse at the Antarctic fulmar, a sure sign that we were getting close to our destination! You could feel the anticipation rise with every hour that went by!
We had presentations throughout the day: on krill and penguins by our naturalists, and one on photographing a very active volcano, given by our National Geographic photographer, Carsten Peter.
Then it was time for the Captain’s welcome cocktail party, dinner and finally our approach to the South Shetland Islands and the start of the real adventure, Antarctica!
