Our final stop on the Antarctic Peninsula for this voyage and indeed this season, was at Paulet Island. As the Antarctic autumn progresses, we are seeing adult Adelie penguins heading out to sea, leaving their chicks to fend for themselves. Most of the chicks are gathering near the shoreline and moulting their down feathers, ready for a life at sea… assuming they can make it past the leopard seals.
3/13/2022
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National Geographic Explorer
Tierra del Fuego
Until now, we have skirted the mercurial weather of the South Atlantic. Though the sun has been rare, we have been lucky with calm seas and easy access to some of the most exciting landing sights South Georgia and the Falklands have to offer. Today, as our trip nears its end, we had the opportunity to experience a small taste of the conditions that make this such a notorious region for seafarers and explorers. With sustained winds of up to 50 knots wrapping around Cape Horn, the ocean quickly began to churn. Our captain and bridge team found us shelter in the Beagle Channel where we spent the day appreciating the power of the ocean and the biodiversity of Tierra del Fuego. While onboard in the comfort of our new ship/home, National Geographic photographer Camille Seaman shared a collection of photographs she took throughout the last two weeks. Naturalists Madalena Pachaco and Bud Lenhausen shared stories of exploration and changing climates. Photo caption: The chart shows our way to protection from the storm in the Beagle Channel. Photo by Alex Krowiak