Our first full day in Antarctica was packed with exploration. National Geographic Orion was fortunate to visit two landmark Antarctic bases. One of the earliest British bases and the only official post office on the continent, Port Lockroy, went beyond the postcard-mailing with fast-ice walks and gentoo penguin watching. United States’ Palmer Station was a tour of some of the most technologically-advanced, contemporary research stations on the continent, with a bonus Zodiac tour of the nearby glacier, the Adelie penguin colony, and elephant seal haul-out. Though the sun never set until we were all fast asleep, the twilight sunshine lasted forever and provided exceptional photographic light for hours.
2/20/2024
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Cape Horn and Beagle Channel
The huge distances we have covered on this journey meant that our last full day was spent almost completely at sea on our return leg from Antarctica. After a merciful lie-in, we crowded the decks as we sailed past Cape Horn, the majestic headland at the bottom tip of Hornos Island, the southernmost point of Tierra del Fuego and the entire South American continent. Despite its fearsome reputation, pleasant seas allowed for an enjoyable brunch before we plunged into our presentation schedule for the morning and afternoon. Naturalist Gail Ashton related her experience of living on the Antarctica continent for 18 months, Jonny Reid discussed marine mammal acoustics and the underwater soundscapes of this region, and Jess Farrer explained how the study of whale and seal poop can tell us so much about these animals. As we entered the Beagle Channel, the stunning mountains of Tierra del Fuego lined our passage to Ushuaia. Gathering in the Ice Lounge for the captain’s farewell party, we toasted a hugely enjoyable trip and the new friends we have made.
