We made it to calm seas this afternoon during our transit back to Ushuaia, and we realized how interesting it was to see and smell trees for the first time in ten days. It’s been a wonderful voyage down to the White Continent and back, and I hope everyone leaves with a new sense of wonder and some good stories.
12/27/2024
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National Geographic Endurance
Detaille Island
National Geographic Endurance woke up to heavy snow and tabular icebergs this morning. Everyone gathered on the Bridge and in observation areas to count down to our crossing of the Antarctic Circle. Past this parallel of latitude, the sun does not set near solstice. Captain Oliver Kruess and Expedition Leader Dan Olsen plotted a course to Detaille Island, 20 miles south of the circle. This is the site of the British Antarctic Survey Base W. Established in 1956 and used throughout the International Geophysical Year, the base was hastily abandoned in 1959, leaving behind a true time capsule. Trekking from our landing site through drifted snow, we were treated to a rare glimpse of life in an Antarctic base 65 years ago. Our departure from Detaille took us through close, wind-driven pack ice, highlighted by brief glimpses of the surrounding mountains through shifting fog.
