Adventure knows no bounds. Our ship has been exploring south of the Antarctic Circle for the past 48 hours. After awakening to a slice of blue sky and icebergs large enough to alter our course, our expedition headed to the historic Detaille Island. On shore, guests explored an abandoned hut filled with scientific remnants and other trinkets of everyday life in Antarctica. In the afternoon, we cruised through the calm, ice-filled water before stopping for a most necessary polar plunge. It’s difficult to understand just how far south we’ve gone and how remote the land is. There’s just a feeling inside that tells you that you’ve been to a special place.
2/20/2024
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Cape Horn and Beagle Channel
The huge distances we have covered on this journey meant that our last full day was spent almost completely at sea on our return leg from Antarctica. After a merciful lie-in, we crowded the decks as we sailed past Cape Horn, the majestic headland at the bottom tip of Hornos Island, the southernmost point of Tierra del Fuego and the entire South American continent. Despite its fearsome reputation, pleasant seas allowed for an enjoyable brunch before we plunged into our presentation schedule for the morning and afternoon. Naturalist Gail Ashton related her experience of living on the Antarctica continent for 18 months, Jonny Reid discussed marine mammal acoustics and the underwater soundscapes of this region, and Jess Farrer explained how the study of whale and seal poop can tell us so much about these animals. As we entered the Beagle Channel, the stunning mountains of Tierra del Fuego lined our passage to Ushuaia. Gathering in the Ice Lounge for the captain’s farewell party, we toasted a hugely enjoyable trip and the new friends we have made.
