Beagle Channel
In October, 1578, during his circumnavigation of the globe, Sir Francis Drake was the first to spot the famous body of water that bears his name. Our northward transit through the Drake Passage has been calm and comfortable. Gentle swells, picturesque skies, warming temperatures and the company of albatrosses and other sea birds have made for a rewarding day. A variety of presentations ranging from the History of Whaling, to Dee’s Magellanic Penguin Research, to A Behind the Scenes Look at the Endeavour’s Operation kept our minds active.
Cape Horn emerged above the horizon late in the morning. Discovered by Dutch explorers Jakob Le Maire and Willem Schouten in 1616, the cape is named for the Hoorn, a ship which was destroyed by fire earlier in their expedition. Approaching from the Pacific side, Endeavour turned to the east and “Rounded the Horn” on approach to the Beagle Channel. The H.M.S. Beagle, on its second voyage through these waters, carried Charles Darwin on his way to the Galápagos Islands.
Throughout the afternoon, observing the many inshore and northerly birds kept us busy. Especially exciting was the appearance of numerous Magellanic penguins.
Just about 5:00 p.m., Ushuaia pilot Gustavo Martinez joined the Endeavour near Isla Gardiner, in the Beagle Channel. The pilot boat Drake pulled along our starboard side as we slowed to about four knots as Sr. Martinez carefully climbed on board.
A festive Farewell Cocktail party led to another fine dinner. Shortly afterwards, we approached the colorful small city of Ushuaia.
In October, 1578, during his circumnavigation of the globe, Sir Francis Drake was the first to spot the famous body of water that bears his name. Our northward transit through the Drake Passage has been calm and comfortable. Gentle swells, picturesque skies, warming temperatures and the company of albatrosses and other sea birds have made for a rewarding day. A variety of presentations ranging from the History of Whaling, to Dee’s Magellanic Penguin Research, to A Behind the Scenes Look at the Endeavour’s Operation kept our minds active.
Cape Horn emerged above the horizon late in the morning. Discovered by Dutch explorers Jakob Le Maire and Willem Schouten in 1616, the cape is named for the Hoorn, a ship which was destroyed by fire earlier in their expedition. Approaching from the Pacific side, Endeavour turned to the east and “Rounded the Horn” on approach to the Beagle Channel. The H.M.S. Beagle, on its second voyage through these waters, carried Charles Darwin on his way to the Galápagos Islands.
Throughout the afternoon, observing the many inshore and northerly birds kept us busy. Especially exciting was the appearance of numerous Magellanic penguins.
Just about 5:00 p.m., Ushuaia pilot Gustavo Martinez joined the Endeavour near Isla Gardiner, in the Beagle Channel. The pilot boat Drake pulled along our starboard side as we slowed to about four knots as Sr. Martinez carefully climbed on board.
A festive Farewell Cocktail party led to another fine dinner. Shortly afterwards, we approached the colorful small city of Ushuaia.
