What a day! Brown Bluff is an extraordinary place. As we cruised toward the shore, we noted black and white movement—small forms walking up hills and shooting out of the water onto land. Adelie penguins and their chicks! These penguins live along the coast of Antarctica, and they have distinctive white rings around their eyes. We also observed gentoo penguins with their chicks. Gentoos are stockier, distinguishable by the bold white band between their eyes and over their heads. Excitement filled us as the penguins wandered past to carry out their duties during an eventful austral summer in Antarctica.
2/20/2024
Read
National Geographic Resolution
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.
