The guests aboard National Geographic Orion awoke south of the Antarctic Convergence, the biological boundary for Antarctic territory! Stepping outside, it was easy to recognize a difference in the temperature and wind compared to our previous days north of the convergence. The Antarctic convergence is a region of the Southern Ocean around the latitude 55 degrees south that encircles the continent. It is formed where the cold waters from Antarctica flow north and meet the relatively warm waters flowing south from the Sub-Antarctic. This zone of mixing and upwelling is a nourishing environment, making it extremely high in marine productivity.

Our morning kicked off with a lecture about birds from our expedition leader and was followed by bird watching from the stern. Seeing the birds with our own eyes was the perfect way to solidify the information we just learned. Our photo team, including our National Geographic photographer, were out on deck offering photo tips and advice about bird photography. The windy seas required us to put on extra layers, but it was worth being able to see the birds in flight vs sitting on the water on windless days. Birds we spotted include: wandering albatross, black-browed albatross, Southern giant petrel,

After post-lunch naps, we were able to hear the second half (part 1 was yesterday) of The Life of Shackleton. As we are heading to South Georgia, a geographical place so intimately intertwined with Shackleton’s exploration and survival, we were all interested in learning more about his historic past. And since we wouldn’t dare miss afternoon tea, we enjoyed both sweet and savory appetizers while learning what it is like to be On Assignment with National Geographic from Jeff.

Around the 5 o’clock hour, we passed Shag Rocks. Getting a close look at these marvelous rocks protruding from ocean is a rarity - lucky us! These rocks are popular breeding grounds for shags.  Just as we were coming inside from the chilly Shag Rocks viewing, we heard an announcement…our first iceberg was in the distance. Hooray! After a few days on the boat, today was the day we finally felt we were on our way to Antarctica.

After two days of relaxing on the ship, we are ready and energized for what South Georgia has to offer tomorrow.