Ho, ho, ho, Merry Christmas! Snow was falling lightly as we navigated through the Lemaire Channel, on our way to Pleneau Bay, for the morning activity of Zodiac cruising through the iceberg graveyard. There were plenty of spectators to watch as our boats explored the area; penguins, crabeater seals and assortment of other birds, watched as we cruised the bay! Of course, the large icebergs that float into the bay were all around us, complete with huge icicles hanging off their edges! During lunch National Geographic Endurance cruised back north through the Lemaire toward Paradise Bay for our afternoon landing and hike at Brown Station. It was a fabulous way to spend Christmas!
2/20/2024
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Cape Horn and Beagle Channel
The huge distances we have covered on this journey meant that our last full day was spent almost completely at sea on our return leg from Antarctica. After a merciful lie-in, we crowded the decks as we sailed past Cape Horn, the majestic headland at the bottom tip of Hornos Island, the southernmost point of Tierra del Fuego and the entire South American continent. Despite its fearsome reputation, pleasant seas allowed for an enjoyable brunch before we plunged into our presentation schedule for the morning and afternoon. Naturalist Gail Ashton related her experience of living on the Antarctica continent for 18 months, Jonny Reid discussed marine mammal acoustics and the underwater soundscapes of this region, and Jess Farrer explained how the study of whale and seal poop can tell us so much about these animals. As we entered the Beagle Channel, the stunning mountains of Tierra del Fuego lined our passage to Ushuaia. Gathering in the Ice Lounge for the captain’s farewell party, we toasted a hugely enjoyable trip and the new friends we have made.
