Drake Passage

Morning sunlight came early to our new home at sea. Somehow all of our belongings found hangers and drawers in which to rest until we reach the Antarctic Peninsula. As we ventured from our rooms, some with shaky sea legs, we found that the outside of our doors and the hallways were decorated with holiday cheer. It was a good reminder that Santa makes it all the way to the South Pole on his yearly jaunt through the sky.

Meanwhile, the Wandering Albatross, the largest bird of flight in the world, was gliding on the winds blowing across a white capped sea. Coming near then far, the albatross banked quickly in the troughs of the waves. Black and white, Pintado Petrels flew just beyond arms length from the sides of the National Geographic Explorer. The rarer Light Mantled Sooty Albatross flew a few passes by our ship. Cameras clicked in rapid succession. Laughter escaped our faces as we once again took a picture of where the bird was, without a bird in our frame.

Always ready to help, the photographers on board offered digital camera lessons and tips. Everyone wants to bring home memories of this largest wilderness, so we were instructed in the proper settings for a world filled with light that bounces from every direction.

Jon Bowermaster, our National Geographic writer, introduced us to his “Oceans 8” project, during which he kayaked along the coastline of many continents, including our own destination, Antarctica. With each passing hour, our anticipation increased like children two days before Christmas.