On the second full day of our expedition, we awoke to broad swells highlighted by speckled sunlight streaming through broken clouds. The wind and seas diminished as National Geographic Endurance made its way south across open water toward the southwestern arm of the Antarctic Peninsula. During the morning, we were treated to a gripping lecture by Stephen Fisher on the heroic exploits of those who first located and then explored the vast continent of Antarctica. This was followed by Deb Goodwin who described the fascinating complexities of the Southern Ocean, which serves to isolate the glacial mass of the White Continent. As National Geographic Endurance continued south toward the Antarctic Circle, we had a terrific lunch that included the option of a delicious pasta bar in C. Greens dining area on deck 8. In the afternoon, we continued south while completing briefings and a lecture by Eva Westerholm that introduced the iconic penguin. The day ended with Captain Oliver’s introduction to the ship and the ship’s officers followed by a delicious dinner.