Our first full day in the Weddell Sea can be best described by sunshine, fast ice, and emperor penguins! We were surrounded by fast ice, indeed wedged into it, and the emperor penguins were our constant companions until darkness finally fell. From just after 06:00AM the emperor penguins were the stars of the show! We watched them from the ship, we watched them from the Zodiacs, we walked among them on the fast ice, and indeed the sun set on them a little after 10:30PM. An amazing day, to be remembered for many years to come.
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.
