Today was the first full day of our expedition aboard the National Geographic Orion, on an epic journey to explore one of the most incredible regions on the planet. We were blessed with calm seas and blue skies as we made our way to the western side of the Falkland Islands.
This morning we met the expedition team, who will be our guides and for the next 3 weeks. We explored the ship, which will be our temporary home for the duration of this voyage. We went out on the back deck to gaze upon the many giant storm petrels, black-browed albatrosses, cape petrels, and storm petrels that glide effortlessly in the wind behind the ship.
In the afternoon the photo team helped us learn all about our cameras and how to capture all of the breathtaking moments that we will experience in the days and weeks ahead. We had an introduction to the history of the Falkland Islands by Tom Ritchie, a veteran of the natural history team. The captain officially welcomed us on board with a cocktail party and an introduction to the department heads who will be taking care of us for the duration of our stay.
There is an energy within the ship, one of excitement and eagerness to explore and witness the grandeur that has brought so many to these places before us. I, for one, can’t wait to get back.
