We officially begin our epic voyage to Antarctica today. We awoke to favorable seas, somewhere between the Drake Lake and the Drake Shake. Staff informed, treated and decontaminated us in preparation for our arrival. IAATO is the organization that establishes rules and regulations for interactions with the white continent. We examined our gear for any possible seed or disease vectors carried from elsewhere. Boots, outerwear, packs, tripods and hiking poles all underwent processes to ensure sufficient sterilization. We spent the rest of the day watching the seas mellow and the sky brighten, very good omens indeed.
1/19/2025
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National Geographic Resolution
The Drake Passage
As we navigated north across the Drake Passage, conditions gradually improved and blue petrels and black-browed albatrosses graced our journey as visitors. John Pailthorpe delivered a captivating retelling of Shackleton's attempted crossing of the Antarctic continent, recounting the trials faced by those rugged men who cared little for comfort yet had a penchant for taking mortal risks. Following him, National Geographic Photographer Ralph Lee Hopkins shared some of the many future exploration options available to our guests through National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions. As we approached Tierra del Fuego, the seas calmed. Although the skies remained overcast, wildlife became increasingly abundant as we neared the entrance to the Beagle Channel. Captain Martin presented a fascinating overview of the construction of MV National Geographic Resolution and her impressive capabilities. As we entered the channel, we were greeted by hourglass and dusky dolphins while enjoying empanadas for teatime. Once we entered the Beagle, sailing was smooth all the way to Ushuaia.
