Today we woke up to a beautiful day here in Antarctica on board National Geographic Explorer.We started the morning at Port Lockroy to drop off mail at the penguin post office, the southernmost post office on Earth. We then headed to Damoy Point, where we walked to a gentoo penguin colony as seabirds and humpback whales cruised around the bay. We sailed through the stunning Lemaire Channel and were treated to incredible weather. Afterward, we tucked into Hidden Bay, where our brave explorers jumped into the icy water for our polar plunge. Back on board, we had a special Philippine Christmas dinner. It was a truly unforgettable day down here on the White Continent.
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.
