It was a wet morning as we pulled into Port Lockroy. Being established as Base A by the British in 1944 as a wartime initiative to monitor German shipping movements, we got a glimpse of the past in the museum at this historic base. As we pulled away from our last Antarctic landing, we bid adieu to our gentoo penguin friends that have become so familiar to us over the past few weeks. The Southern Ocean had one last hoorah for us and we were treated with Gerlache orcas chasing a penguin in the Gerlache Strait early this afternoon. We’re ready to take on the Drake Passage!
3/12/2025
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National Geographic Endurance
At Sea towards Ushuaia
It was a day for reflection. Our journey was coming to an end as we left the Falklands behind and National Geographic Endurance steamed towards South America and Ushuaia. The seas were kind to us, and despite low winds, we had black-browed albatross, among other birds, around us. In the morning, we listened to the naturalists onboard as they presented on different subjects in the ice lounge. Land-ho! Mid-morning we had land in sight, South America was appearing on the horizon. Upon entering the Beagle Channel, we saw possibly a hundred sei whales. While the seabirds were waiting for the wind on the surface, the whales were feeding a short distance from the ship. As our vessel waited for the pilot to arrive, we could still see whale blows in the distance. We enjoyed a teatime extravaganza with Chef Sara and her team. Cheese and wine brought most of the ship’s inhabitants to deck 8, and while sipping wine we watched sea lions, dolphins, and stunning views of Tierra del Fuego go by until it was time for Captain Aaron’s farewell toast. As much as we are reflecting on our expedition today, it has also been a day of celebration! It has been an incredible journey of many miles, great people, and wonderful experiences. Thank you all!
