This morning found National Geographic Resolution cutting through the fog and pushing south toward the South Shetland Islands. As breakfast ended, the fog lifted, and Barrientos Island appeared in front of the ship! With much excitement, everyone donned their boots and parkas and went ashore to set foot on the islands of Antarctica. Penguins and elephant seals waited to greet the new visitors. Humans and animals alike showed their curiosity. While it seemed all too short, the trip ashore ended with anticipation of an afternoon Zodiac cruise. At the end of lunch, eight black Zodiacs dotted with orange clad photographers circled Edinburgh Hill, a stunning presentation of lava frozen in time. With the adventures complete for the day, all the new Antarctic explorers retreated to the ship for cold drinks and warm food. What a day!
1/19/2025
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National Geographic Resolution
The Drake Passage
As we navigated north across the Drake Passage, conditions gradually improved and blue petrels and black-browed albatrosses graced our journey as visitors. John Pailthorpe delivered a captivating retelling of Shackleton's attempted crossing of the Antarctic continent, recounting the trials faced by those rugged men who cared little for comfort yet had a penchant for taking mortal risks. Following him, National Geographic Photographer Ralph Lee Hopkins shared some of the many future exploration options available to our guests through National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions. As we approached Tierra del Fuego, the seas calmed. Although the skies remained overcast, wildlife became increasingly abundant as we neared the entrance to the Beagle Channel. Captain Martin presented a fascinating overview of the construction of MV National Geographic Resolution and her impressive capabilities. As we entered the channel, we were greeted by hourglass and dusky dolphins while enjoying empanadas for teatime. Once we entered the Beagle, sailing was smooth all the way to Ushuaia.
