All onboard the National Geographic Endurance are excited about our trip to Peter I Island in the Bellingshausen Sea! The first landing of this island came on February 3, 1929, and it was claimed for Norway. This is the first time that every officer, staff member, crew, or guest have been to this very remote island in the western section of Antarctica. Weather conditions look fantastic for our visit to the island. Southern fulmars and Antarctic petrels escort the ship all day long. Humpback whales are seen at the surface throughout the day. And as the day turns to evening, huge icebergs begin to dot the sea, telling us of our proximity to the island. At this latitude the sun doesn’t set this time of year. What adventures will tomorrow bring? Stay tuned dear reader, for the answer may surprise you!
1/24/2023
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National Geographic Resolution
Penola Strait and Prospect Point
The passengers and crew of National Geographic Resolution started their day surrounded by stunning scenery just south of the Lemaire Channel. We were very close to the Ukraine Research Station, Vernadsky. As we sailed on steadily, passengers were treated to a lecture about snow algae and its effect on the snow and ice of Antarctica by Alia Kahn, our visiting scientist. A short while later, Jim Coyer offered some very interesting insights into krill, which is literally the foundation of the Antarctic life cycle. After lunch, we arrived at Prospect Point at the southern end of the Penola Strait. Zodiacs were lowered, and guests were treated to a wonderfully serene, peaceful cruise amongst ice floes and huge icebergs of various shapes. The sheer majesty of the scenery of the Antarctic Peninsula rarely fails to move us and engage all our senses. Back on board, undersea specialist and naturalist Tanish Peelgrane provided guests with the opportunity to show off their artistic talents with watercolors. This yielded many wonderful interpretations of the afternoon’s experiences. As one more exceptional day draws to an end, we look forward to seeing what delights tomorrow brings.
