We are at the tail end of our epic journey to the White Continent. After a beautiful evening in the Lemaire Channel, we have awoken to a mild crossing of the Drake Passage. Our day was filled with informational and entertaining lectures by the staff, as well as fun and delicious treats from the hotel team. We were fascinated to learn about subjects in history, geology, photography, and ocean biology of the marvelous destination we have all to recently left. Antarctica has certainly left an impression on everyone, down to their last atom. Never will we forget such a remote and stunning place.
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.
