Anticipation was palpable this morning as we looked out the window: our bow faced a bay filled with fast ice. After breakfast, we went out on deck to witness a small display of the ice-breaking prowess of National Geographic Resolution. Then, with the ship surrounded by ice, our crew set out the gangway, and we were able to walk from our vessel straight onto frozen ocean. The world class entertainment extended into the afternoon when we visited Pourquoi Pas Island, named for the vessel of the second expedition of Frenchman Jean-Baptiste Charcot. With an increasing chill in the air, a sky transitioning to low and thick clouds, and rapidly changing ice conditions near shore, we could finally appreciate that the Antarctic Peninsula is not always sunshine and barbecue weather. This did not deter us. We bundled up and spent hours delighting in Adelie penguins and their young, fluffy chicks. Today was a well-rounded day of Antarctic adventure bookended by fabulous meals!
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.
