The 600-mile stretch of water that separates Tierra del Fuego and the Antarctic Peninsula, The Drake Passage, was more aptly described today as the “Drake Lake.” The fabled winds were all but a gentle breeze, the feared towering swells, mere gentle rolling waves, making for a most pleasant passage for the start of our expedition to Antarctica. 

Making a passage of this nature, nearly two full days in length, provides a great opportunity for one to prepare for the expedition ahead, as well as for us, the expedition team, to prepare and inform the guests for what’s to come. The day's first organized presentation on the schedule would be an introduction to digital photography by naturalist and photo instructor, Alberto Montaudon. The talk was followed by an intensive breakout session lead by our photo team.  

In the afternoon naturalist Bud Lenhausen gave a thorough introduction to the Adaptations of Seabirds of the Southern Ocean. A fitting topic considering we're transiting one the more productive stretches of water for seabirds. In fact we saw a dozen species of seabirds today, not bad considering that the calm conditions often reduce the chance to see such magnificent birds as albatross and petrels. Among the highlights would be the wandering albatross, the bird with the longest wingspan at nearly 11 feet, and its smaller cousins the black-browed and grey-headed albatross. On the other end of the spectrum we saw two of the smallest species of seabirds, the Wilson's and black-bellied storm petrels. All of these birds are incredibly well adapted for life at sea and seek out land only for the need to reproduce. 

Later in the afternoon guests and everyone coming to the Antarctic on the ship for the first time in the season watched a presentation prepared by IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators) to brief visitors on the rules and regulations governing the visitation of Antarctic. The gentle seas and sailing continued throughout the evening making this passage on The Drake a most relaxing and enjoyable start to our expedition.