National Geographic Endurance made its way steadily south and west today, into the Bellingshausen Sea. It was clearly apparent that we were crossing the continental shelf-edge of the Antarctic continent at 1400 today, as we encountered a sudden abundance of marine life: humpback whales, squadrons of light-mantled albatross, southern fulmars, a flock of rarely seen Antarctic petrels and many more species of seabirds. This evening we are approaching the Antarctic Circle in following winds and seas, with chunky snowflakes keeping pace with us on the cold breeze.
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.
