We’ve had a bright and beautiful day, well south of the Antarctic Circle at 67° 33’ south latitude. This morning, we explored Bongrain Point on Pourquoi Pas Island, where Adelie penguins waddled their way between nests and the sea. Meanwhile, many of us hiked the lateral moraine alongside the glacier. From the top, we enjoyed great views of Marguerite Bay. In the afternoon, we arrived to a rarely visited bay, with stunning scenery and glassy calm seas. We kayaked among countless small bits of ice and saw a few seals resting on the ice, as well as glaciers and tall mountains as a majestic backdrop. Our activities were capped off by the Polar Plunge – a fun and very invigorating (and voluntary) jump into 0° C (32° F) water.
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.
