We woke up this morning navigating through the dramatic scenery of Alberto de Agostini National Park in the Magallanes Region of southern Chile. Dark clouds and steep snow-covered peaks towered over the fjords. After a short shuttle to shore, we landed on a long beach near the mouth of a tidal lagoon. As the tide was falling, the lagoon was draining out to the sea.
We walked the shoreline of the fjord and the lagoon until we were close to the glacier. Many stops were made to observe the plants, take pictures of the reflections in the lagoon, and in general appreciate the whole scene. We observed abundant evidence in the plant life that spring has sprung here in Patagonia.
After a successful morning, our expedition leader Lucho and the bridge team looked for an area protected from wind to spend the afternoon. Upon arriving at the back of Seno Hyatt we were greeted by nearly zero winds and no swell — good conditions for some afternoon exploration. Thick brash ice and growlers filled the fjord from wall to wall. From the ship’s bow we observed many calving events from the face of this very active tidewater glacier. A few of the groups even saw a leopard seal! It was another great day exploring and learning here aboard National Geographic Explorer.
