What a start to our voyage! We departed from Puerto Natales in the morning to catch the tides at the White Narrows. Our crew set out in a Zodiac to assess the current in this narrow passage while we watched Andean condors soaring above a full rainbow. Captain Peik, our Chilean pilots, and a pod of Peale’s dolphins guided us through the islands under towering peaks. After an introduction of our expedition staff, guests braved a bit of rain to hike to the glorious Bernal Glacier. A myriad of quartz- and epidote-infused basaltic rocks lined the outwash plain, and it was an easy walk to a spot that gave us magnificent views of the terminus.
Back on board, we were treated to a workshop on smartphone photography by Certified Photo Instructor Dave and National Geographic Assignment Photographer Drew. We learned some cool smartphone tricks.
Lastly, Expedition Leader Lucho briefed us for the next day before Captain Peik gave us a warm welcome to the ship, the expedition, and his teams.
As dinner is served, we are headed southbound toward the Straits of Magellan. We look forward to exploring a new glacier fjord tomorrow.
