Our first day out on the infamous Drake Passage! Some remained horizontal while others went with the flow, dancing through the hallways, all the while experiencing the power of the atmospheric low pressure weather systems generating the massive rolling waves of slate blue. After becoming acquainted with the Drake, our staff introduced themselves. Our Undersea Specialist, Erin McFadden, navigated us through the global processes forming this remarkable body of water and familiarized us with its unique and precisely adapted marine fauna, including the creepy-crawling Pynogonid sp. sea spider. Up on the bridge, our officers kept watch while this turbulent passage transported us with approximately 150 million cubic meters per second, ripping through the continental bottleneck of 600 miles between South America and our final destination, Antarctica. From any window throughout the ship, the most graceful gliding seabirds can be seen along either side, particularly off the stern of the National Geographic Orion. Naturalist Larry Prussin gave a presentation identifying out man species of feathered followers and birds we are likely to encounter here in the Southern Ocean. Certainly spotting wandering albatross with their impressive wingspan (up to 11.5ft) as they seemed to effortlessly trace each wave before soaring up into the surrounding fog. Trying to capture the Drake’s expansive beauty and, say, a giant petrel flying near deck four aft led to an afternoon focused on photography. Our photography team of Michael Nolan, Phil Schermeister, and Adam Cropp divulged their expertise in break out groups as we learned some in depth practices and tricks for expedition photography. The evening tradition of recap presentations kicked off an evening with fog-filled horizons and dreams of gentoo penguins at our first landing tomorrow.
2/20/2024
Read
National Geographic Resolution
Cape Horn and Beagle Channel
The huge distances we have covered on this journey meant that our last full day was spent almost completely at sea on our return leg from Antarctica. After a merciful lie-in, we crowded the decks as we sailed past Cape Horn, the majestic headland at the bottom tip of Hornos Island, the southernmost point of Tierra del Fuego and the entire South American continent. Despite its fearsome reputation, pleasant seas allowed for an enjoyable brunch before we plunged into our presentation schedule for the morning and afternoon. Naturalist Gail Ashton related her experience of living on the Antarctica continent for 18 months, Jonny Reid discussed marine mammal acoustics and the underwater soundscapes of this region, and Jess Farrer explained how the study of whale and seal poop can tell us so much about these animals. As we entered the Beagle Channel, the stunning mountains of Tierra del Fuego lined our passage to Ushuaia. Gathering in the Ice Lounge for the captain’s farewell party, we toasted a hugely enjoyable trip and the new friends we have made.