This morning found National Geographic Resolution cutting through the fog and pushing south toward the South Shetland Islands. As breakfast ended, the fog lifted, and Barrientos Island appeared in front of the ship! With much excitement, everyone donned their boots and parkas and went ashore to set foot on the islands of Antarctica. Penguins and elephant seals waited to greet the new visitors. Humans and animals alike showed their curiosity. While it seemed all too short, the trip ashore ended with anticipation of an afternoon Zodiac cruise. At the end of lunch, eight black Zodiacs dotted with orange clad photographers circled Edinburgh Hill, a stunning presentation of lava frozen in time. With the adventures complete for the day, all the new Antarctic explorers retreated to the ship for cold drinks and warm food. What a day!
2/28/2025
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National Geographic Resolution
Northbound Drake Passage, Cape Horn, and the Beagle Channel
This morning, we had a later start than usual after a late night enjoying the crew show. Our galley team gifted us with a fulfilling brunch. We then had a brilliant forum about climate change with the participation of our panel of experts onboard. Afterward, our expedition leader called us to the bow to see Cape Horn, which was only a few miles ahead. The good weather allowed us to have a smooth and fast crossing, allowing extra time to swing by Cape Horn, the most southern tip of the Americas. Over the PA system, Steven provided a very interesting description of the historical importance of this area, then Pablo read a beautiful poem, a memorial to the seaman lost at sea. We could see the monument in the distance, two metal sheets that depict an albatross in flight. During the afternoon, we enjoyed Madalena’s presentation about Women in Antarctica. This was an incredible voyage through the struggles and delays of allowing women to participate in science and logistics in Antarctica. We entered the Beagle Channel around 17:00 and we encountered black-browed albatrosses, cormorants, dolphins, and whales. On our final approach to the beautiful city of Ushuaia, we passed by Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse and some of the seals that live in the Bridges Islands Archipelago.
