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!
1/24/2023
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National Geographic Resolution
Penola Strait and Prospect Point
The passengers and crew of National Geographic Resolution started their day surrounded by stunning scenery just south of the Lemaire Channel. We were very close to the Ukraine Research Station, Vernadsky. As we sailed on steadily, passengers were treated to a lecture about snow algae and its effect on the snow and ice of Antarctica by Alia Kahn, our visiting scientist. A short while later, Jim Coyer offered some very interesting insights into krill, which is literally the foundation of the Antarctic life cycle. After lunch, we arrived at Prospect Point at the southern end of the Penola Strait. Zodiacs were lowered, and guests were treated to a wonderfully serene, peaceful cruise amongst ice floes and huge icebergs of various shapes. The sheer majesty of the scenery of the Antarctic Peninsula rarely fails to move us and engage all our senses. Back on board, undersea specialist and naturalist Tanish Peelgrane provided guests with the opportunity to show off their artistic talents with watercolors. This yielded many wonderful interpretations of the afternoon’s experiences. As one more exceptional day draws to an end, we look forward to seeing what delights tomorrow brings.
