Today we were privileged to have been granted permission to visit La Tapera Park, a private, protected area. Owned by a Chilean family, this park is open to people with an interest in nature, and being so remote, access is complicated to say the least. We were the first expedition ship to ever visit the area, and thanks to the incredible skills of Captain Heidi Norling and the bridge team, we crossed into the previously uncharted waters, only recently covered by a glacier. We sailed close to land where no ship had ever been before!
11/1/2024
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National Geographic Resolution
Estero Slight, Chile
The forecast for high winds overnight was accurate, giving the ship some movement while we slept. We awoke to high wind gusts and rain squalls, creating some awesome conditions with views of the mountains surrounding us, small rainbows, and hundreds of seabirds soaring amongst the waves. We stayed on the ship for the morning, enjoying a smartphone photography presentation in the lounge, followed by a delicious brunch feast in the dining room. After brunch, we were treated to a presentation by Naturalist Sue Quinlan, imparting wisdom about the flora and fauna of the forests in Patagonia. The weather soon relaxed enough to allow us to go ashore for some afternoon hiking and exploring. The different hikes went into the forest and along the beach where we saw birds, whalebones, various plants, and marine life as the tide went out. We were welcomed back to the ship with a tasty treat from the galley and some local Patagonia beer tasting with the bartenders, followed by cocktail hour and recap of the day by our expedition team.
