The Drake Passage, 1/17/2023, National Geographic Resolution
Aboard the
National Geographic Resolution
Antarctica
We left the Antarctic Peninsula for our first full day at sea since our arrival to the White Continent. Staff presented on several subjects in the Ice Lounge, including studying ice in Antarctica, the great explorers who tried to conquer the harsh continent, and John’s adventure with the British Antarctic Survey!
Morale was high, and the passengers and good crew of National Geographic Resolution were in good spirits as we sailed north to Ushuaia, knowing that our grand adventure has almost come to an end.
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What a spectacular day on the Antarctic Peninsula! Starting with a thrilling sighting of killer whales, our bridge team expertly navigated National Geographic Endurance to give us an unobstructed view of these magnificent apex predators. After an exciting start and a hearty breakfast, we set off for a two-hour Zodiac cruise in Cierva Cove, where the calm, glass-like waters perfectly reflected the stunning landscape. We spotted a leopard seal and, of course, many penguins, all while admiring the unique, sculptural icebergs that dotted the cove. Following lunch, we ventured out again, this time in kayaks. We paddled peacefully through the same serene waters, fully immersed in the beauty and silence of the environment.
Tabular icebergs floated by as we headed for our first continental landing in Antarctica aboard National Geographic Endurance . We visited Brown Bluff, where an Adelie penguin colony is located. Before that, we had the incredible opportunity to pull into fast ice, which is sea ice that forms seasonally and is attached to land. We were soon joined by Adelie penguins and even a couple wandering gentoos. Walking away from the ship, we enjoyed a decent sighting of crabeater seals resting on the ice. Getting to step onto sea ice is always an incredible experience that many hope to be able to do again and again, but this will depend on our future actions and the steps we are willing to take to reduce our human impact.
Early this morning, there was an amazing sunrise over the distant mountains. Eventually when the ship awoke many hours later, we found ourselves parked in the fast ice of Marguerite Bay in Bourgeois Fjord. Shortly after breakfast, we disembarked the “penguin doors” and stepped out directly onto the fast ice. Some took off cross country skiing and others explored on foot. There were many crab eater seals around, perhaps as many as 200, in a variety of groups. It was a spectacular morning with almost no wind and blue skies. After a productive morning, the hotel department treated us to a barbecue lunch and a doughnut bar which some guests chose to eat on the outer decks of the ship, enjoying the amazing scenery. In the afternoon, we made a landing on the rocky terrain of Horseshoe Island to visit British Base Y which was established in 1955 by the Falkland Islands Dependencies Survey. In the evening, as we sailed north through Marguerite Bay, we enjoyed amazing scenery and after dinner we explored a narrow and scenic passage called The Gullet. It was a most memorable, enjoyable, and adventurous day here in Antarctica, and we’re all looking forward to tomorrow.
