As our journey comes to a close and we make our way back through the infamous Drake Passage, we’ve all been soaking in the last of our time together on what has become a home away from home. Those still thirsty for knowledge soaked up heroic expedition stories and learned to appreciate lichen in a day full of entertaining lectures. Some did so from a more horizontal position than others. Some of us have been out and about enjoying all the seabirds we’ve come to know and love from the secure warmth of the bridge. Others were hard at work editing the beautiful photos they’ve collected, searching for those that might in some way capture the indescribable beauty we’ve experienced in this magical place. Although we are enjoying or tolerating the Drake in our own ways, all of us are reflecting on the amazing memories we’ve shared together since the last time we made this crossing.
12/27/2024
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National Geographic Endurance
Detaille Island
National Geographic Endurance woke up to heavy snow and tabular icebergs this morning. Everyone gathered on the Bridge and in observation areas to count down to our crossing of the Antarctic Circle. Past this parallel of latitude, the sun does not set near solstice. Captain Oliver Kruess and Expedition Leader Dan Olsen plotted a course to Detaille Island, 20 miles south of the circle. This is the site of the British Antarctic Survey Base W. Established in 1956 and used throughout the International Geophysical Year, the base was hastily abandoned in 1959, leaving behind a true time capsule. Trekking from our landing site through drifted snow, we were treated to a rare glimpse of life in an Antarctic base 65 years ago. Our departure from Detaille took us through close, wind-driven pack ice, highlighted by brief glimpses of the surrounding mountains through shifting fog.
