Today was the southern solstice—the longest day of the year in Antarctica. Suiting that longest day would be a full day of many varied activities. The morning started with a Zodiac cruise around Brown Bluff. Besides the wonderful views of the bluff itself, there is a large colony of Adélie penguins to see. Afterward, National Geographic Explorer set sail into the Weddell Sea in hopes of visiting and landing at, Devil Island. But along the way we realized our sister ship, National Geographic Orion was nearby, and we decided to swing by and say hello. The heavy ice conditions that the Weddell Sea is known for were kind to us and we were able to reach Devil Island. Upon landing, we went hiking and visited another Adélie penguin colony. Any normal day this would have been a full day, but in honor of the longest day, we decided that after dinner we would park Explorer in fast ice and enjoy some hiking on the ice.
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.
