The dreaded Drake Passage was the Drake “lake” today as we crossed it northbound for South America. Once a massive low had moved through the Drake days earlier, much of the energy in the atmosphere was dissipated. This left a mild high that produced little wind and calmed the seas. We enjoyed amazingly calm water with little swell as we plied our way from Antarctica towards Cape Horn. Cape Horn is on an island just off of Tierra del Fuego on the Chilean side of Patagonia. Known for its high winds and seas, it has been the nucleus for many incredible sea stories, especially from the tall sailing ships that rounded her before the Panama Canal was built. A few birds were seen, but with little wind the seabirds of the Southern Ocean can’t make their way to where they make their living. Many were just sitting on the ocean awaiting the wind.
There were a few presentations, including part two of Steve MacLean’s presentation on the Endurance expedition, also known as Shackletons’ most successful failure. There was also a chance to finish up any questions about camera usage. Some of us took advantage of the nice weather and made a head start on packing, but some just took in the views as the worlds’ most tumultuous ocean was as calm as it can get.
