Leaving a place at the end of a trip is always bittersweet, especially when leaving a place as amazing as Antarctica. Our first full day at sea, heading back to civilization, brought a bit more wind than our journey south. It wasn’t too bad though, considering what the Drake Passage can produce. There were many seabirds out enjoying the breeze, which allowed us great views of albatross and petrels. With lectures by the onboard naturalists, we all learned just a little bit more about the special place through which we had just traveled.
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.
