The days are long during the Antarctic summer and today ours began extra early with a wake-up call at 0545 to watch two humpback whales gorging themselves on Antarctic krill. With sleepy eyes we all witnessed these 40 ton giants lunging out of the water right in front of the ship. Not a bad start to an incredible day. After having breakfast our first outing of the day took place on Danco Island where hiking to a gentoo penguin colony and taking in the stunning views was paired with Zodiac cruising in the Errera Channel amongst massive icebergs and wildlife a plenty. Afternoon found us just a short hop away exploring the Enterprise Islands by kayaks and Zodiacs. The weather and events of the day were sublime and Antarctica showed us its very best.
2/28/2025
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National Geographic Resolution
Northbound Drake Passage, Cape Horn, and the Beagle Channel
This morning, we had a later start than usual after a late night enjoying the crew show. Our galley team gifted us with a fulfilling brunch. We then had a brilliant forum about climate change with the participation of our panel of experts onboard. Afterward, our expedition leader called us to the bow to see Cape Horn, which was only a few miles ahead. The good weather allowed us to have a smooth and fast crossing, allowing extra time to swing by Cape Horn, the most southern tip of the Americas. Over the PA system, Steven provided a very interesting description of the historical importance of this area, then Pablo read a beautiful poem, a memorial to the seaman lost at sea. We could see the monument in the distance, two metal sheets that depict an albatross in flight. During the afternoon, we enjoyed Madalena’s presentation about Women in Antarctica. This was an incredible voyage through the struggles and delays of allowing women to participate in science and logistics in Antarctica. We entered the Beagle Channel around 17:00 and we encountered black-browed albatrosses, cormorants, dolphins, and whales. On our final approach to the beautiful city of Ushuaia, we passed by Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse and some of the seals that live in the Bridges Islands Archipelago.
