Palmer Station, Neumayer Channel, Gerlache Strait, 3/5/2024, National Geographic Explorer
Aboard the
National Geographic Explorer
Antarctica
We got to visit Palmer Station today! The United States Antarctic Program has about 40 people working here through the summer, and a much smaller number maintain the facilities through the Antarctic winter. It was fascinating to hear about the research, and about how they create a community and enjoy their down time.
In the afternoon we sailed through Neumayer Channel, a beautiful, narrow waterway surrounded by steep, snow-capped mountains, and glaciers touching the water. In Gerlache Strait, some guests joined staff on the bridge as we searched for wildlife.
Berit grew up on the rocky shores of Marblehead, Massachusetts, where she explored the marine environment through changing tides and seasons, nurturing a love of natural history and marine biology.
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Today’s adventures offered us the opportunity to enjoy some of the Falkland Island’s most famous treats: seabirds, wind, and cake! Our day began exploring Carcass Island, which included long hikes across impressive ridgelines, photographing a diverse assemblage of bird species, and consuming a smorgasbord of cakes and baked goods at a wonderful morning tea at the island settlement. Following a delicious lunch on board, we made sure to work up an appetite for dinner with some more hiking at West Point Island to visit a bustling seaside colony of black-browed albatross and rockhopper penguins. We were treated to spectacular views of the colony in the sunshine, with the perfect amount of wind for endless fly-bys of albatross dynamically soaring all around us. With our memories filled with amazing Falkland wildlife experiences, we set sail from our days in West Falklands to make our way towards the region’s cultural capital tomorrow at Port Stanley.
Saunders Island offered us a day of contrasts, from dramatic wildlife encounters to rich cultural experiences. The morning greeted us with rain and wind, but the weather did little to dampen our spirits as we explored the island’s extraordinary wildlife. Four species of penguins captivated our attention: king penguins stood in regal elegance, rockhopper penguins bounded nimbly over rocky terrain, and both gentoo and Magellanic penguins busily tended to their nests. Adding to the spectacle, black-browed albatross soared above and tended their own nesting sites, their grace and beauty mesmerizing against the wild Falklands backdrop. By afternoon, the rain gave way to sunshine, though the winds remained brisk. We ventured to Port Egmont, where we visited a working farm and experienced a slice of island life. Upon arrival, we gathered for a delightful barbecue, savoring local flavors amidst the stunning scenery of rolling hills and windswept coastlines. A demonstration of sheep shearing highlighted the vital role of farming in this remote community. As the day drew to a close, we returned to National Geographic Endurance, reflecting on the remarkable blend of wildlife and culture that makes Saunders Island an unforgettable destination.
Today was a beautiful, exciting start to a spectacular expedition. Though we felt the waves gently rocking the ship throughout the night, we woke up to bright, sunny skies casting rainbows of light through the spray of the ocean. Throughout the day, we had several presentations in the Ice Lounge, including an excellent talk describing unique behaviors and identification techniques for the seabirds of the region from Naturalist Doug Gualtieri. We also had a chance to work with Certified Photo Instructor Sean Neilson to learn how to use our smart phone cameras in creative ways in the field over the next few weeks to produce interesting and thoughtful images.
