Port Lockroy and Lemaire Channel, Antarctica, 1/26/2020, National Geographic Orion
Aboard the
National Geographic Orion
Antarctica
Today we enjoyed another adventurous day. Early risers found killer whales off the bow of National Geographic Orion while navigating Gerlache Strait. Following breakfast our morning landing was at the Port Lockroy historic site. During the afternoon we deployed the Zodiacs to explore the scenic Lemaire Channel from water level, and amazing experience to witness the ship navigated the steep-walled fjord. We discovered sculpted icebergs and both leopard and crabeater seals sleeping peacefully on the ice.
Ralph Lee Hopkins is a popular photo instructor and geologist who also serves as an expedition leader aboard the National Geographic fleet. He served as a photographer on the historic Arctic Expedition for Climate Action in July 2008 and has traveled...
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We started our morning with a double split landing and Zodiac cruise at Detaille Island while Naturalist Conor Ryan gave an informative presentation on krill. The highlight of Detaille Island was Base W, an old research station used during the International Polar Year. We cruised during the afternoon, hearing talks on penguins and ice from Naturalists Mike Rigney and Eric Guth respectively. During recap, we were interrupted by a large but dispersed group of B2 killer whales who came very close to National Geographic Endurance and put on a beautiful show. After dinner, we cruised the Fish Islands in the dim and beautiful light of the Antarctic evening.
We were treated to a beautiful morning in Laubeuf Fjord. The light over Adalaide Island was beautiful. The mornings landing was on Pourquoi Pas Island, and half of the group landed while the other half Zodiac cruised and enjoyed encounters with some humpback whales before the groups swapped excursions. The afternoon was spent watching killer whales on our approach to the Gullet. The B1 was clearly looking for some food as it was spy-hopping along the ice edge.
We awoke to an astonishing view of Marguerite Bay as we slowly cruised between icebergs and humpback whales towards our first excursion. Our first day landing on the Antarctic Continent at Red Rock Ridge was nothing short of breathtaking. The day unfolded like a dream, starting with a beautiful visit to an Adélie penguin colony. These charming, resilient birds captivated us as they waddled across the rocky terrain along with their downy chicks. From there, we went in our Zodiacs to explore the surrounding waters. Gliding between towering icebergs, we watched seals, their serene presence a striking contrast to the dramatic Antarctic backdrop. The glassy waters reflected the surreal landscape, making every moment on the Zodiac feel like stepping into a postcard. Our adventure continued on Horseshoe Island where we embarked on a hike that revealed stunning views of the snow-clad peaks and historical remnants from past expeditions. The air was crisp and invigorating as we followed in the footsteps of explorers who had once relied on these very outposts. Each step brought us closer to the stories of human resilience and the untouched beauty of this icy frontier. By the end of the day, as we stood together overlooking the glacial expanse, we felt an incredible connection to this otherworldly place. Antarctica has already imprinted itself and we can’t wait to see what lies ahead.
