This morning we awoke early to an announcement of “Whales ahead!” Leaping from our comfortable beds and springing into action, all assembled on the bow, the bridge, or at any of the hundreds of windows on board the National Geographic Explorer. We watched the hour-long encounter with many different fin and humpback whales. A pre-breakfast appetizer that only Antarctica can serve up. Later we enjoyed the informational lecture about biosecurity in Antarctica and decontaminated our belongings with the staff in order to keep this beautiful continent pristine. The afternoon saw our first landing in the South Shetland Islands and the welcoming committee of chinstrap penguins received us in formal attire. A snow flurry added to the authenticity of the White Continent and to top it all off, Captain Oliver threw a cocktail party afterward
2/27/2022
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National Geographic Explorer
The Drake Passage
Almost home. Land is in sight as we complete our crossing of the Drake Passage and draw within view of Cape Horn. As sunrise begins to illuminate the clouds, we see the blinking light of the Cabo de Hornos lighthouse. Expedition leader Lucho tells us about the poignant albatross sculpture dedicated to lost mariners and reads us the associated poem in Spanish and English. We are sailing in sheltered waters now, and the sea has reached the balmy temperature of more than 7° C. The seabirds we have learned to recognize in the open ocean–albatrosses, petrels, and prions–are now joined by others, such as imperial shags from Patagonia. Fur seals are once again frolicking near the ship. With formalities complete, there is time for a last series of presentations from our expedition staff, including: a lively account of the world-defining voyage of Ferdinand Magellan by naturalist Madalena Patacho, intriguing ‘Behind the Scenes’ insights into the life of an undersea specialist from Brett Garner, and more about the famous Endurance expedition under the leadership of Sir Ernest Shackleton. After making time for some excellent afternoon Swedish pancakes, we sailed the remaining stretch along the Beagle Channel and came at last to port in Ushuaia. We gathered in the lounge for farewell cocktails with our captain. We celebrated the wonders we experienced over the last ten days, the good friends we traveled with and with whom we shared our discovery of the Antarctic, and the glorious land of Antarctica–the seascapes, history, and wildlife. Where will we travel next? Photo caption: An avian harbinger of the coming day. Photo by Steve Backus
