After nearly two days of fording across the Drake Passage, the National Geographic Explorer awoke with land in sight. Knowing how to welcome its guests, Antarctica was in full display with porpoising penguins and mountains piercing the sky. Boarding Zodiacs, guests were shuttled to shore in order to experience their first interaction with two of the three species collectively known as the brush-tail penguins—gentoos and chinstraps. Feeling the New Year approaching, it felt only right to continue our expedition into the Weddell Sea in search of the juggernaut structures of tabular icebergs to ring in what the future brings.
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.
