We awoke to a spectacular Antarctic day with blue skies, calm seas, and ice as far as the eye could see. After breakfast, the ship navigated through thick pack ice into the remarkable Cierva Cove. The Zodiacs were lowered and soon we were out exploring the ice and its myriad of inhabitants. We encountered leopard seals, multiple species of whale, and the ever-curious gentoo penguins. After lunch, we stepped ashore at Hydrurga Rocks and were immediately surrounded by sleeping Weddell seals and chatty gentoos with their large, fuzzy chicks. The chicks were almost ready to leave the nest and start feeding in the rich krill-infested Antarctic waters. What an amazing day! We can’t wait for what magical Antarctic experiences are in store for us tomorrow.
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.
