James Ross Island and Devil Island, 1/2/2023, National Geographic Explorer
Aboard the
National Geographic Explorer
Antarctica
As National Geographic Explorer continued to sail into the New Year here in Antarctica, we arrived at James Ross Island. The beach was laden with ice, and we hiked into the epic landscape. On our way through the Erebus and Terror Gulf, we encountered a pod of killer whales in the middle of a hunt for penguins. We then arrived at Devil Island. Aboard our flotilla of Zodiacs, we toured the coastline to observe Adelie penguins. The sights, sounds, and smells of the colony were memorable.
Born and raised in Alabama, Alex's connection to nature took shape as a child living in a state park and then in his formative years spent in Gulf Shores, AL. Where white sandy beaches meet the pine forest of the Southeast.
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After an adventurous night of attempting to make it through lots of sea ice and into the Weddell Sea, we ended up turning back and spending our morning exploring an area a little further north. This turned out to provide stunning scenery and wildlife encounters as the morning unfolded. After breakfast, we deployed the Zodiacs and cruised around Kinnes Cove, enjoying excellent views of a resting leopard seal, crab eater seals, and gentoo and Adelie penguins swimming and walking across the fast ice. Antarctic shags were active in the cove, as the whole flock dove over and over, feeding on something underwater. Snow petrels were flying about, and two emperor penguins showed up and played in the water around the Zodiacs. We were all delighted with this perfect farewell to our incredible voyage to Antarctica. As we set sail northward to cross the Drake Passage again, we enjoyed a special Filipino buffet dinner, followed by a festive evening of entertainment from the renowned crew of National Geographic Resolution .
This morning, we entered the Weddell Sea after exploring the western side of the peninsula for the past few days. The icy scenery was enjoyed by all. As we ship-cruised in the morning, the expedition staff provided us with some insightful presentations on glaciers and marine mammal acoustics. The hotel department then surprised us all with a BBQ feast for lunch and some delicious donuts for dessert. The afternoon activities included a landing at Brown Bluff where we enjoyed observing the Adelie penguin colony. We then returned to National Geographic Resolution and began sailing deeper south into the Weddell Sea.
National Geographic Endurance journeyed south through the Gerlache Strait today, braving heavy winds and waves that shattered against towering icebergs. The raw power of Antarctica was on full display this morning. By afternoon, we reached the more tranquil expanse of Wilhelmina Bay, where sea ice stretched to the base of the surrounding peaks. The conditions shifted, and while the wind remained strong, the skies cleared revealing a stunning sunlit landscape. On snowshoes and cross-country skis, we explored the frozen expanse, much like the early explorers. Although, they were clad in reindeer skin, wooden skis, and sledges and we have high-tech gear and iPhones. Were they enchanted by its beauty, or humbled by the pristine vastness of the Antarctic Peninsula? After our vigilant (but decidedly comfortable) snow adventure, we returned to the ship for yet another gourmet meal and a soak in the hot tub. Not exactly roughing it by any stretch. This place is magical, and skiing across a frozen ocean with the backdrop of Antarctic mountains is enough to humble anyone.
