Seeking Shelter near Elephant Island, 12/12/2017, National Geographic Orion
Aboard the
National Geographic Orion
Antarctica
Today was an at-sea day aboard National Geographic Orion. Although we had no activities planned for off the ship, we kept busy with presentations, photo projects, and enjoying the relatively gentle seas. We also had an incredible opportunity to view a massive tabular iceberg from the bow of our ship. And, of course, we ate far too many desserts.
Originally from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Andy moved from the whale-impoverished shores of Lake Ontario to the west coast of British Columbia to pursue his passion for marine mammals and marine biology. Andy received his bachelor's and master's deg...
Born in Hollywood with a camera in his hand, Ross is a documentary filmmaker and photographer who is inspired by a good-organic-wholesome-LA-vegan cause and strives to raise awareness wherever he can through his pictures and films. While majoring in ...
Today was our final day on this amazing voyage to South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. We awoke to the most beautiful sunrise over the city of Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city and the capital of Tierra del Fuego. This morning we had the fantastic opportunity to visit a local maritime museum here in Ushuaia for a private opening. Afterwards, we enjoyed a wonderful drive through the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park. After a relaxing afternoon onboard National Geographic Resolution , we were treated to tours of the Bridge, and then a special wine tasting in Tupaia with our incredible bar team. To round out our day, the captain finished our expedition in style with a fabulous cocktail party. We toasted our adventures to some of the most remote islands on the planet.
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
We continued sailing from the Falkland Islands to Ushuaia, crossing the Le Maire Strait and entering the Beagle Channel. On our way, we enjoyed spectacular landscapes as seabirds followed us.
