After a remarkably gentle crossing of the Drake Passage, we found ourselves in awe of the enormous icebergs all around the ship this morning. Set against a leaden grey sky, the blue hues in the ice looked superb. It is early season (springtime) on the Antarctic Peninsula. The phytoplankton has not yet bloomed, making for gin-clear seas and allowing for spectacular Zodiac cruises. We saw down into the sea clearly and observed submerged parts of icebergs. Some of us were lucky enough to hear the otherworldly song of a male leopard seal as he attempted to woo a mate in a narrow channel around Spert Island. We observed both killer whales and humpback whales in close quarters. This allowed us to capture useful scientific data to aid in photo-identification research. Scientists track the movements and longevity of whales using their naturally-occurring, unique markings. This evening, we are cruising gently down the Gerlache Strait as humpbacks spout and fluke in all directions.
2/28/2025
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National Geographic Resolution
Northbound Drake Passage, Cape Horn, and the Beagle Channel
This morning, we had a later start than usual after a late night enjoying the crew show. Our galley team gifted us with a fulfilling brunch. We then had a brilliant forum about climate change with the participation of our panel of experts onboard. Afterward, our expedition leader called us to the bow to see Cape Horn, which was only a few miles ahead. The good weather allowed us to have a smooth and fast crossing, allowing extra time to swing by Cape Horn, the most southern tip of the Americas. Over the PA system, Steven provided a very interesting description of the historical importance of this area, then Pablo read a beautiful poem, a memorial to the seaman lost at sea. We could see the monument in the distance, two metal sheets that depict an albatross in flight. During the afternoon, we enjoyed Madalena’s presentation about Women in Antarctica. This was an incredible voyage through the struggles and delays of allowing women to participate in science and logistics in Antarctica. We entered the Beagle Channel around 17:00 and we encountered black-browed albatrosses, cormorants, dolphins, and whales. On our final approach to the beautiful city of Ushuaia, we passed by Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse and some of the seals that live in the Bridges Islands Archipelago.
