This morning began at a leisurely pace as we made our way north toward Ushuaia. Despite its fearsome reputation, the Drake gave us little trouble under light winds and steel gray skies. These sea days provide premier opportunities to study pelagic birds, and the entire day there was a diverse attendance of petrels, prions, and albatrosses following our wake at close range. Of particular interest was a group of three Antarctic petrels that stayed with us for the entire morning. Inside the ship we had a wonderful series of talks about the ocean we sailed upon and the continent we were leaving behind. Plankton, ice, the history of whaling, and the long, strange prehistory of Antarctica all featured prominently. The wildlife show continued when a large group of fin whales were spotted in the distance. With some expert maneuvering from the bridge team, we all enjoyed great views of these enormous “greyhounds of the sea.” In the afternoon we had the chance to meet with our captain and some of the engineering team to learn about the inner workings of National Geographic Endurance. As always, the day ended with a lovely meal and some spectacular desserts.
1/13/2025
Read
National Geographic Resolution
Detaille Island and Skog Bay
Today aboard National Geographic Resolution , it was a day filled with awe and adventure as the ship crossed the Antarctic Circle in the early hours of the morning. Guests woke to clear skies, snow-capped mountains, and colossal glaciers surrounding them in every direction. The first stop of the day was a morning landing at Detaille Island, where guests explored the historic British Antarctic Survey Base "W." This site, once a key research station during the 1950s, offered a fascinating insight into the history of Antarctic exploration. The afternoon brought more excitement with a kayaking excursion in the pristine waters of Skog Bay. Guests glided through the tranquil bay surrounded by towering icebergs and breathtaking scenery while keeping a lookout for wildlife. For the more adventurous, the Polar Plunge offered a true taste of Antarctica, with guests bravely taking the plunge into the frigid waters. The day ended with a recap of the day's experiences, followed by a delicious dinner, all while enjoying stunning views as the ship made its way further south. With the promise of more exploration and adventure to come, everyone aboard eagerly anticipates what tomorrow’s journey will bring in this remote and pristine part of the world.