Today was our first full day together, and we were blessed with an extraordinarily calm crossing of the Drake. This gave us a chance to get to know the ship with introductions from our hotel manager, our IT officer, and a whirlwind tour through the staff team; this trip we have 92 seasons of Antarctic experience between us! With over 20 children and teenagers on board this voyage, we also had the first meeting of the Young Explorers Club.
Our first presentation of the voyage came from Doug Gaultieri on the topic of seabirds. After learning about the petrels, storm petrels, prions, and albatrosses, we headed out to the aft deck to look for them. Calm conditions make it difficult for many of these birds to fly, but we managed to spot some of the largest seabirds including giant petrels, and royal and wandering albatrosses.
After lunch we got everyone sorted out with their new parkas and then gathered to begin our photography program with lead photo instructor Steve Morello. His enthusiasm would encourage even the most reticent photographer. Our National Geographic photographer Ken Garrett joined the rest of the photo team for breakout sessions.
Jason Kelley was last to present with an explanation of tectonic plates, and the weather and current systems that characterize the Antarctic. During his presentation, we entered the Antarctic Convergence zone, which is known for fog. The ocean temperature drops quickly here, and by the end of the night we were truly in the isolated waters that circulate the White Continent.
Because the sea was flat calm, we were able to enjoy our captain’s welcome cocktail hour and dinner—an event we usually postpone until we reach sheltered waters. With day one behind us, we are ready to make land tomorrow!
