We awoke to calm seas on the first morning of our expedition in the Southern Ocean in the Scotia Sea. This is our first sea day as we make our way to South Georgia, and we were treated to great views of many seabirds, including wandering, royal, and black-browed albatrosses, southern and northern giant petrels, sooty and great shearwaters, and rockhopper and Magellanic penguins, as well as several other species. A highlight of our day was sighting and viewing a southern right whale, spotted by Captain Oliver. This whale is distinguished by a V-shaped blow, callosities on its head, the lack of a dorsal fin, and a smooth back and fluke, all of which we were able to see easily. During the day, we had interesting presentations about seabirds, photography, and cetaceans. Our evening concluded with our Captain’s Welcome Cocktails.
3/10/2025
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National Geographic Resolution
At Sea - Falklands Trough and Patagonia Shelf
The day dawned aboard National Geographic Resolution as we sailed out of the Scotia Sea. After yet another delicious breakfast, our natural history staff kicked off a series of presentations. Naturalist Joe Holiday started it off with a program on “Geology of the Falkland Islands” followed by an interesting program by our visiting scientist, Ariana Mancusco, about the research she’s conducting throughout this expedition. By late morning, we crossed the Falkland Trough, the captain and navigation officer were steely-eyed on the bridge, plotting our path through the clashing currents, winds, and waves. At noon, a surreal calm descended as we entered the eye of the low-pressure system. The sea state calmed and lunch was served in the dining room. Afternoon, the hotel team turned the lounge into a haven, hosting a lovely teatime—scones, clotted cream, and Earl Grey flowing as the ship continued westerly. Meanwhile, the natural history staff continued, with veteran Naturalist Dennis Cornejo explaining the unique plant life of the Falkland Islands. Approaching dusk, thick fog filled the sky and the Falklands loomed a mere 20 miles off, a promise for our days ahead.