We woke up as National Geographic Explorer stayed anchored just off the Chilean Antarctic base named Gonzáles Videla. This station is manned only in the austral summer as a search and rescue base. It’s home to a great number of breeding gentoo penguins. The Chilean base personnel gave us a warm welcome, and we got to step inside a couple of the buildings, including a small museum with a gift shop. The incredible weather conditions begged us to stay out on deck all afternoon. The scenery towards Dallmann Bay was stunning!
After dinner, our video chronicler, Ashley Karitis, showed a preview of the video chronicle from our voyage. The photo team then finished the day with a very useful critique of photos that guests had selected for feedback. At bedtime, a gorgeous sunset rounded off one of the most exciting expedition days along the Antarctic Peninsula. Now the northbound crossing of the Drake lies ahead.
