The Drake Passage, 12/9/2018, National Geographic Explorer
Aboard the
National Geographic Explorer
Antarctica
As most of us slept in the wee hours of the morning, we crossed a major
oceanographic frontier—the Antarctic Convergence zone—and entered the Southern Ocean. As we ventured farther south, we were treated to sightings of a variety of seabirds and a brief glimpse of a mighty fin whale.
For as long as he can remember, Conor has always been preoccupied with the natural world, from the whales to the fungi. For most of his life he has been an islander: growing up in Cobh, Ireland and settling down in Tobermory in the Hebrides, Scotland...
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After a memorable week exploring Antarctica, it was time to head back home towards Ushuaia. Our day in the Drake Passage was a pleasant one, with the seas staying relatively mild with the wind and swell from the northwest. We were treated to numerous presentations throughout the day from our excellent expedition staff. Eric kicked things off after breakfast with stories about ice before Justin shared his amazing experiences filming under frozen lakes on the Antarctic Continent. Following another wonderful lunch from the galley team, we enjoyed some birdlife outside and brief sightings of passing fin whales. Fi was next on the agenda, sharing some tips and tricks for sorting and editing our many photos from the trip. Teatime was a delight today with Swedish pancakes on the menu, and after a good feed, we enjoyed Josh’s talk on the Belgian Antarctic Expedition. Before we all retired to our cabins after dinner, there was one final lecture, with Captain Oliver sharing some tales about the construction of the ship and how it can navigate in these challenging, polar environments so comfortably and successfully.
National Geographic Resolution, our trusty expedition vessel, continued its northward journey with ease, navigating the gentle "Drake Shake" effortlessly. Along the way, we were treated to numerous whale sightings, a true spectacle of nature's magnificence. In the afternoon, the first sight of land appeared on the horizon, marking a significant milestone in our voyage. As we sailed into the Beagle Channel, we enjoyed the company of seabirds that joined us, soaring gracefully alongside the ship. It was a beautiful moment to watch these creatures in their natural habitat, a reminder of the remote and untamed beauty of this region. The undersea team delivered insightful presentations, sharing the immense effort and challenges involved in diving in Antarctica's icy waters. Later, our captain himself gave a fascinating talk about the design and construction of National Geographic Resolution , offering a behind-the-scenes look at this remarkable vessel. To cap off the day, we indulged in a delightful afternoon tea accompanied by a famous cheese and wine tasting, a true culinary treat after days of adventure. As the evening set in, we savored our last dinner aboard the ship, reflecting on the epic journey we had shared to the White Continent, now preparing to return to port and head home with memories that will last a lifetime.
On our last day in Antarctica, we woke to an otherwordly view as National Geographic Endurance sailed through the waters of Cierva Cove. The first adventure of the day was a Zodiac cruise across this iceberg-filled bay. We were lucky to spot a crabeater seal on an iceberg along with several snow petrels, Antarctic terns, and skuas soaring above us. After the cruise, Captain Oliver expertly steered National Geographic Endurance closer to the Breguet Glacier, allowing us to have a closer look at this massive ice wall. In the afternoon, we embarked on another Zodiac cruise around Spert Island. This time, we were impressed by the island’s unique geology shaped by glacial forces. The landscape was dominated by dramatic volcanic rock formations and colossal icebergs. The combination of natural beauty and the sheer scale of the surroundings left us in awe, marking a perfect end to our Antarctic adventure.
