Drake Passage

With great anticipation, we are on our way south to Antarctica. After departing Ushuaia, Argentina last evening we made our way through the eastern end of the Beagle Channel and into Drake Passage.

Gentle northwesterly swells move the National Geographic Endeavour just enough to make us aware that we are at sea. Both winds and temperatures are mild, though the hint of a chill is in the air as we continue ever further south. By the afternoon, the sun adds warmth and color to the seascape. We are making excellent speed, aided by the fine conditions. Settling into the comforts of shipboard life is a pleasure.

Throughout the day, seabirds accompany the ship. Wandering albatrosses, black-browed albatrosses, giant petrels, prions, storm-petrels and others keep our attention and interest. Whales have also been spotted.

The afternoon was the time for beginning our presentation series, led off by "Winds and Currents of the Southern Ocean" by Steve MacLean. "The Art of Creating the National Geographic Story" by photographer Jay Dickman, our National Geographic Society on-board expert, walked us through the process of creating a photographic essay for the Society's magazine. After his program and a lively question and answer session, Jay offered an impromptu photography workshop.

A festive Welcome Aboard cocktail party led us into a delicious dinner.

Larry Prussin, Naturalist; Photo by Jay Dickman, National Geographic Society Expert
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