As we completed our journey across the Drake Passage this morning, the infamous Cape Horn greeted us. The southernmost headland of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago of southern Chile, Cape Horn is often a welcomed site after the crossing. It is also a bittersweet signal that our incredible adventure is drawing to a close. Entering into the Beagle Channel, we spotted a vast array of wildlife through our binoculars. We return to Ushuaia with our hearts full of the many wonderful memories made on our one-of-a-kind expedition to Antarctica.
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.
