Our extended ocean crossing through the western part of the Drake Passage was rewarded when we woke up this morning and found ourselves on the verge of crossing the Antarctic Circle. Not just a dotted line on the map, this latitude represents the tilt of the earth relative to our orbit around the sun, meaning that at this line on the summer solstice the sun never sets. While we are visiting well on in the summer season, we still plan to take advantage of the long daylight hours over the coming week to explore this unique part of the globe. Only a few vessels have the opportunity to travel this far south in any year, so we count ourselves lucky to follow in the tracks of heroic explorers such as Adrien de Gerlache and Jean Baptist Charcot.
2/20/2024
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Cape Horn and Beagle Channel
The huge distances we have covered on this journey meant that our last full day was spent almost completely at sea on our return leg from Antarctica. After a merciful lie-in, we crowded the decks as we sailed past Cape Horn, the majestic headland at the bottom tip of Hornos Island, the southernmost point of Tierra del Fuego and the entire South American continent. Despite its fearsome reputation, pleasant seas allowed for an enjoyable brunch before we plunged into our presentation schedule for the morning and afternoon. Naturalist Gail Ashton related her experience of living on the Antarctica continent for 18 months, Jonny Reid discussed marine mammal acoustics and the underwater soundscapes of this region, and Jess Farrer explained how the study of whale and seal poop can tell us so much about these animals. As we entered the Beagle Channel, the stunning mountains of Tierra del Fuego lined our passage to Ushuaia. Gathering in the Ice Lounge for the captain’s farewell party, we toasted a hugely enjoyable trip and the new friends we have made.