We sailed toward Booth Island and reached our expedition destination, Port Charcot. This is the location where the first French expedition led by Jean-Baptiste Charcot wintered in 1904 aboard Le Français. Today the conditions were perfect, and upon landing we hiked up to the 120-year-old cairn left by the members of this extraordinary French expedition and marvelled at the panoramic views from the top. We also lowered our Zodiacs into the water for a wonderful cruise exploring the magnificent iceberg graveyard in the waters around Booth Island and in the bay near Pléneau Island. We were more than happy to see the sunshine and blue skies unveiling the magnificent towering peaks and steep glacial cliffs, offering some of the most scenic views of our voyage.
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.
