As all good things must come to an end, and National Geographic Explorer continued its journey north through the Drake Passage with diminishing seas. With the Antarctic peninsula behind us, guests spent time recollecting their experience and enjoying their images as our natural history team delivered a series of lectures and entertainment. With blue skies and not a whitecap to be seen upon the water, we approached the infamous Cape Horn, which looked docile as could be. Due to the upwelling here from the continental shelf, many a bird circled the ship in search of a meal, reminding all on board that any good sea expedition entails a communion with the seabirds. Soon to be in the port of Ushuaia and headed elsewhere or home, we’re all wondering, “Where to next?”
2/20/2024
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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.