White Narrows to Bernal Glacier, 10/24/2024, National Geographic Explorer
Aboard the
National Geographic Explorer
Patagonia
Today was our first full day aboard National Geographic Explorer. We left our port at Puerto Natales and made our way through the White Narrows to see Bernal Glacier. Along the way, we admired wind-worn forests shaped by the region’s powerful gusts, spotted Andean condors soaring above us, and took in the majestic glacier up close.
Growing up along the coastal environment of San Diego, Shannon started her first volunteer job at a local nature center at the age of six. Since then, she has built her personal life and professional career around connecting with nature. She received...
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Today was our last full day on board, so the decision was made to go big before we go home! National Geographic Explorer positioned beside Observatory Island at 5:00 am, and the deck crew dropped our Zodiacs as the sun rose behind the rugged peaks of Staten Island. We were going for a pre-breakfast cruise! Expedition travel always means being flexible, as changing weather and other factors can mean an abrupt change in plan. But this was yet another morning when we were able to accomplish Plan A. Near-windless conditions meant for a slow, glassy, rolling swell. That, coupled with the slanted golden light of early morning, made for a photographer’s dream! Observatory Island is seldom visited by anyone. The fur seals were curious about us, approaching our Zodiacs and kicking and splashing. We observed many bird species we had not yet seen on this voyage, ranging from snowy sheathbills (common in Antarctica) to black-faced ibises, and we had wonderfully close views of Magellanic penguins, both on land and at sea. By 8:00 am, we were back on the ship for a hot breakfast as we headed for Cabo San Juan and the famous “Lighthouse at the End of the World” on the remote eastern tip of Staten Island. With glassy sea conditions and the sun beating down on us, the weather was decidedly “un-Patagonian.” In fact, it was nearly tropical! It was perfect for a hike over rolling hills of spongy peat bog up to the lighthouse, where we looked down at our ship anchored in the turquoise waters of the kelp-fringed bay. It was a stunning end to an amazing nine days of Patagonian exploration. After lunch, National Geographic Explorer turned back westward and headed over sun-spangled seas towards Ushuaia, where we will finish our voyage tomorrow.
Our expedition to Franklin Bay in Staten Island was a mesmerizing journey into a tapestry of diverse wildlife. Among the wonders we encountered, the rockhopper penguin colony and numerous striated caracaras left an indelible mark. Native to the southern tip of South America, Staten Island, and the Falklands, these unique birds added a touch of rarity and wonder to our experience. However, the island's natural sanctity has been marred by the presence of introduced species like goats and red deer. Amidst this, hope emerges as discussions center on future conservation initiatives to restore the island to its original state. Later, as we embarked on a serene hike in Puerto Cook, we traversed the island's paths, which allowed us to embrace the essence of this beautiful place. Just as our journey was drawing to a close, we spotted a lone king penguin on the beach. Despite bearing signs of past injury, the wounds seemed on the mend, hinting at a promising recovery. Our hearts stirred with hope that this resilient penguin might eventually reunite with its companions on the nearby islands. Our day's escapade was a blend of discovery, contemplation on conservation, and a heartwarming encounter with nature's resilience. It reinforced our commitment to the preservation of these delicate ecosystems and left an enduring impression of hope for the healing and revival of this island's remarkable wildlife.