After two days of travel, we awoke this morning to the success of crossing the Drake Passage and reaching the Antarctic Peninsula. Outside our windows: tall mountains and big blue icebergs. On deck: crisp and chilly air. We are finally here. We spent the whole day in Marguerite Bay, commencing our expedition with a visit to Stonington Island, home of two historic research stations, Base E (UK) and East Base (USA). We headed farther south for afternoon adventures, but plan A was sloshed away by inclement weather. We pivoted both plans and direction, but not before reaching the farthest south latitude that National Geographic Resolution has ever sailed! We enjoyed delightful Zodiac excursions to view fantastic ice formations, gorgeous lighting, and a sampling of Antarctic wildlife. Both morning and afternoon included programs by our scientists and naturalists, concluding with recap and another delicious dinner.
1/27/2023
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National Geographic Explorer
The Drake Passage
Today was quite busy with many interesting presentations. In the morning, geologist Serguei Ponomarenko spoke about the geological history of Antarctica. Before glaciation wiped out thousands of species of the animals and plants that used to be here, Antarctica was once connected to Australia, and much earlier, it was connected to Africa, Madagascar, India, and South America. Later, Gerard Baker spoke about conservation efforts in the Southern Ocean. After lunch, National Geographic photographer Michaela Skovranova instructed guests on live editing of photographs, an essential skill after a memorable trip. The last activity before dinner was an Antarctica quiz. In the late afternoon, National Geographic Explorer entered the Beagle Channel. Almost immediately, the wind subsided, and the sky cleared. Guests enjoyed the spectacular scenery on the Chilean and Argentinian sides of the channel. After dinner, the ship docked in Ushuaia, and guests had an opportunity to spend a few late evening hours in this most southern town in the world.
