The Drake Passage, 1/8/2023, National Geographic Resolution
Aboard the
National Geographic Resolution
Antarctica
Today we headed back north on our last day at sea before arriving in Ushuaia. We were all happy for a pretty nice sailing through the “Drake Lake,” and we enjoyed the comfort and amenities that NationalGeographic Resolution offers. We had the opportunity to learn even more about this incredible area, “The White Continent.”
During our return trip, we were escorted by acrobatic Cape petrels and big wandering albatrosses with their extremely long wings.
Now is a good time to relax, look back, and let our minds assimilate all the incredible things we have seen and experienced over the past few days. And it’s also time to start thinking: when are we coming back?
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The passengers and crew of National Geographic Resolution started their day surrounded by stunning scenery just south of the Lemaire Channel. We were very close to the Ukraine Research Station, Vernadsky. As we sailed on steadily, passengers were treated to a lecture about snow algae and its effect on the snow and ice of Antarctica by Alia Kahn, our visiting scientist. A short while later, Jim Coyer offered some very interesting insights into krill, which is literally the foundation of the Antarctic life cycle. After lunch, we arrived at Prospect Point at the southern end of the Penola Strait. Zodiacs were lowered, and guests were treated to a wonderfully serene, peaceful cruise amongst ice floes and huge icebergs of various shapes. The sheer majesty of the scenery of the Antarctic Peninsula rarely fails to move us and engage all our senses. Back on board, undersea specialist and naturalist Tanish Peelgrane provided guests with the opportunity to show off their artistic talents with watercolors. This yielded many wonderful interpretations of the afternoon’s experiences. As one more exceptional day draws to an end, we look forward to seeing what delights tomorrow brings.
What a day! No one had a case of the “Monday Blues on” this jam-packed day on the White Continent...from kayaking to hiking to barbecuing to a daring Polar Plunge. Little did guests aboard National Geographic Resolution realize it, but today would be a day to remember. Groups boarded kayaks to paddle freely and explore Lemaire Island. Penguins happily pranced, hobbled, and marched about on top of icebergs. Some guests witnessed large flocks of gentoo penguins swimming around their kayaks and porpoising in and out of the water, back and forth. There had to be 40 or so penguins swimming and diving. Penguins were not the only attraction. A humpback whale was spotted nearby! Guests in kayaks observed from a close distance, surely giving us exciting butterflies in our stomachs as the giant mammal surfaced before diving to feed on large schools of krill. Some kayaks were slow to return to the vessel after observing such jaw-dropping wildlife. All this action took place with the echo of thunderclaps as small glaciers calved across the bay. Next was the Polar Plunge for those who dared jump into the frigid Antarctic waters. Guests lined up for a turn to jump in safely, and staff was present to assist. A platform, two safety boats, and a professional photographer also helped. Each adventurous guest was excited and scared, probably asking themselves, “Why did I decide to do this?!” Everyone felt happy and rejuvenated after splashing into the cold water. After a full day of activities, a feast was served in Tupaia, including a barbecue buffet with favorites like burgers, pork belly, hotdogs, and more. No one’s belly was empty after such a hearty feast. The afternoon brought our travelers to Neko Harbour, a gorgeous destination for any Antarctic itinerary. The waters were filled with so much ice, like a traffic jam at 5:00 p.m. on a weeknight. Our fearless and knowledgeable Zodiac drivers (including yours truly) navigated to shore for the tireless guests. Neko Harbour is home to a large colony of gentoo penguins. Some guests hiked to the top of the ridge for a closer look at a large colony. Hikers were rewarded with a near perfect view of the ship and the glaciers in the area. Two small avalanches were witnessed as snow cascaded down the mountainside like a rushing waterfall. Guests made their way back down to the beach, moving carefully through the slushy snow. We prepared for dinner back on the ship as we sail to our next adventure, leaving nothing but footprints behind.
During our second day on this journey south, the ocean surprised us with calm seas as we finished crossing the Drake. Our morning was spent learning about the penguins of Antarctica and the protocols we need to follow while traveling in this majestic place. Each passenger brought personal items to be inspected and cleaned by the staff, who made sure there were not any unwelcome travelers, such as seeds or contaminants, on mittens, boots, or pants. After lunch, the ship was ready to disembark for our first landing. We visited D’Hainaut Island in Mikkelsen Harbor. We observed many gentoo penguin colonies, an Argentine refuge hut, and various artifacts from the whaling industry. As soon as guests exited the Zodiacs, they were welcomed by a fantastic display of whalebones along the shore. On their way to the landing site, guests observed swimming gentoo penguins and feeding Antarctic terns. Our overall feelings were anticipation and excitement for the next adventure. Today’s landing simply increased guests’ appetite to see more of Antarctica. Luckily, we have many more days on the water!
