Our landing this morning at Petermann Island felt very ‘Antarctic’ and resembled a winter wonderland for penguins. While snow fell heavily we had plenty of time to roam the rookeries and watch gentoo penguin parents go about their main task at this time of year, keeping their fast-growing chicks protected and well-fed. After another fine lunch we were treated to a very interesting presentation from our Global Perspectives Guest Speaker, Jamling Tenzing Norgay. Jamling is an author, accomplished mountain guide, and the son of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa who made the first successful summit attempt of Mount Everest (Chomolongma) together with Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953.
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.
