Today we woke up well and truly in Antarctic waters, finally below 60 degrees south latitude and with sea temperatures below freezing. With calmer sea conditions, we enjoyed views of beautiful light-mantled albatrosses and cape petrels flying through the light snow falling around the ship. Calmer conditions also allowed us the chance to strengthen our sea legs and enjoy presentations about Antarctic geology and Antarctic krill from our expedition staff. As we made our way into the protected waters of the South Shetland Islands, Captain Yuriy Tupikov hosted a welcome cocktail party for this expedition of National Geographic Explorer. We enjoyed observing beautiful scenery and porpoising penguins from the windows, a “sneak treat” of the excitement to come as we plan to explore the White Continent tomorrow!
10/23/2024
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National Geographic Endurance
At Sea and the Beagle Channel
The last day of an expedition is always a mix of feelings. There is the rush to pack and get last minute things done, combined with a cascade of emotions from all that has been experienced during a once in a lifetime journey. The sunrise was colorful, the seas calm, and seabirds dotted the skies around National Geographic Endurance. Throughout the day there were a number of presentations and during lunch we were able to enjoy the stunning mountains of Isla de los Estados off our port side. Teatime was a superb occasion! There was an impressive choice of cheeses, crackers, vegetable sticks, and jams all paired with a selection of wines. On our port side, a rainbow appeared over the gray seas. During dinner and throughout the evening, we sailed along the Beagle Channel and past the Bay of Good Success. It was from here that a 23-year-old man wrote in a letter home, “I have decided to dedicate myself to natural history and hope to make some small contribution to it.” His name was Charles Darwin.
