Exploration. A word that means different things to everyone, but has been known to infect some people to their very core. They live it, breathe it, and are defined by it. It takes a certain person to step out of their own comfort zone and venture out into the unknown. But for those people, that’s what makes life an adventure.
Today felt like the official beginning of our adventure as we were so generously blessed with good weather for our crossing of The Drake Passage. After spotting a wandering albatross in the very early hours of the morning, it came as no surprise as the albatross has served as a good omen to mariners for centuries. But as the wind died down, the albatrosses and petrels quietly disappeared into the fog leaving us with fair winds and following seas.
A day at sea can still be quite busy. Breakfast was received eagerly and followed by a very enthusiastic talk from Doug about the various sea birds we expect to encounter on our voyage. Then we ventured out on deck to spot a handful of those very birds that might have returned from earlier in the morning. In addition to that, we were surprised to spot our first iceberg, which was quite unusual to see this early into our journey. Following lunch, we were thoroughly educated by Ian’s talk on how to better utilize the capabilities of our cameras, as well as having some more hands on instructional time with other members of the staff. Erin gave a wonderful introduction to the dynamics of the Southern Ocean and why it is so rich in marine life. In an unusual turn of events, we were treated with the Captain’s welcome reception and dinner due to the calmness of our passage through the Drake. Captain Martin reinforced his enthusiasm for the ice, exploration and the magnificent journey that awaits us in the coming days of this grand polar adventure aboard the National Geographic Orion.
