As National Geographic Resolution cruised through Marguerite Bay early this morning, an attempt was made to land at Red Rock Ridge to visit an Adelie penguin colony. Staff departed before breakfast in a Zodiac to brave the large waves and icebergs looming around the ship. After searching for a safe landing site, the staff concluded that conditions would not allow a safe landing. Plan B was set in motion. By the end of breakfast, National Geographic Resolution reached our second location, the historic site and monument of Stonington, Base E (a British Antarctic survey hut). After an amazing breakfast with stunning views of the surrounding glaciers, we departed for the shores of Stonington Island. Upon landing, guests explored the interior of the British hut and caught glimpses of the U.S. East Base, the oldest American base in Antarctica. The British hut was closed in 1975, and many of the contents were removed. However, it remains true to the era and was restored as a historical site. During the height of its use, the UK base often cooperated with the U.S. base to provide sledging support to the American aerial survey. A solitary cross sits upon a rocky outcropping on the far end of the island, a tribute to the death of two men who died in a storm while sledging in 1966. After exploring the island, guests departed for the ship for an afternoon of cruising and talks by on-board naturalists. Shortly after lunch, one of the largest icebergs seen this voyage (taller than National Geographic Resolution) swept past the ship. As the evening came to an end, naturalists presented their daily recaps and guests relaxed as we cruised north.
12/27/2024
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National Geographic Endurance
Detaille Island
National Geographic Endurance woke up to heavy snow and tabular icebergs this morning. Everyone gathered on the Bridge and in observation areas to count down to our crossing of the Antarctic Circle. Past this parallel of latitude, the sun does not set near solstice. Captain Oliver Kruess and Expedition Leader Dan Olsen plotted a course to Detaille Island, 20 miles south of the circle. This is the site of the British Antarctic Survey Base W. Established in 1956 and used throughout the International Geophysical Year, the base was hastily abandoned in 1959, leaving behind a true time capsule. Trekking from our landing site through drifted snow, we were treated to a rare glimpse of life in an Antarctic base 65 years ago. Our departure from Detaille took us through close, wind-driven pack ice, highlighted by brief glimpses of the surrounding mountains through shifting fog.
