All onboard the National Geographic Endurance are excited about our trip to Peter I Island in the Bellingshausen Sea! The first landing of this island came on February 3, 1929, and it was claimed for Norway. This is the first time that every officer, staff member, crew, or guest have been to this very remote island in the western section of Antarctica. Weather conditions look fantastic for our visit to the island. Southern fulmars and Antarctic petrels escort the ship all day long. Humpback whales are seen at the surface throughout the day. And as the day turns to evening, huge icebergs begin to dot the sea, telling us of our proximity to the island. At this latitude the sun doesn’t set this time of year. What adventures will tomorrow bring? Stay tuned dear reader, for the answer may surprise you!
2/27/2022
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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
