Drake Passage
We awoke this morning having left Ushuaia and the Americas in our wake sometime during the night, and for some of us, the somewhat surprising reality of just where we were finally began to sink into our minds. As far as the eye could see in every direction lay only the unbroken horizon of the open ocean…not just any ocean either, mind you, but the notoriously fickle Southern Ocean. We were obviously glad for the calm seas and light winds that allowed the ship to make good speed throughout the day. After all, we didn’t come all this way for a stretch of open water. We came for Antarctica. Still, the Drake Passage must be crossed along the way, and for much of the year its fearsome reputation is more than warranted. The astral summer, however, does offer some reprieve and a modicum of stability to the local weather systems which gives travelers like us a great window of opportunity to visit one of the world’s great, perhaps even greatest, wildernesses.
Throughout the day, we occupied our time by familiarizing ourselves with the ship and its many comforts; by catching up on some much needed sleep and rest from the long travel days; and by getting acquainted with each other and the ship’s expedition team. Since we plan on being as active as possible once we actually reach the Antarctic peninsula, these days at sea are a wonderful opportunity for the naturalists to explore some of the many fascinating aspects of our voyage in depth; a sort of head start on the sights ahead. Today we were introduced to the magnificent seabirds that are whirling about the ship and making their living out here in the pelagic zone. Later in the afternoon, we gathered once more for a primer on the pinnipeds, or seals, we hope to see in the upcoming days. And finally, Ian Bullock waded into the topic of the local wave, wind, and weather systems that play such an integral role in defining the white continent and its wildlife.
All in all it was a very productive, yet relaxing day here on board the National Geographic Endeavour. And by the time our bellies were full and the conversations had grown quiet, we found ourselves once more looking out at the vast expanse of sea; this time not with surprise, but instead with longing and anticipation. The next time we sight land, it will be Antarctic land.
We awoke this morning having left Ushuaia and the Americas in our wake sometime during the night, and for some of us, the somewhat surprising reality of just where we were finally began to sink into our minds. As far as the eye could see in every direction lay only the unbroken horizon of the open ocean…not just any ocean either, mind you, but the notoriously fickle Southern Ocean. We were obviously glad for the calm seas and light winds that allowed the ship to make good speed throughout the day. After all, we didn’t come all this way for a stretch of open water. We came for Antarctica. Still, the Drake Passage must be crossed along the way, and for much of the year its fearsome reputation is more than warranted. The astral summer, however, does offer some reprieve and a modicum of stability to the local weather systems which gives travelers like us a great window of opportunity to visit one of the world’s great, perhaps even greatest, wildernesses.
Throughout the day, we occupied our time by familiarizing ourselves with the ship and its many comforts; by catching up on some much needed sleep and rest from the long travel days; and by getting acquainted with each other and the ship’s expedition team. Since we plan on being as active as possible once we actually reach the Antarctic peninsula, these days at sea are a wonderful opportunity for the naturalists to explore some of the many fascinating aspects of our voyage in depth; a sort of head start on the sights ahead. Today we were introduced to the magnificent seabirds that are whirling about the ship and making their living out here in the pelagic zone. Later in the afternoon, we gathered once more for a primer on the pinnipeds, or seals, we hope to see in the upcoming days. And finally, Ian Bullock waded into the topic of the local wave, wind, and weather systems that play such an integral role in defining the white continent and its wildlife.
All in all it was a very productive, yet relaxing day here on board the National Geographic Endeavour. And by the time our bellies were full and the conversations had grown quiet, we found ourselves once more looking out at the vast expanse of sea; this time not with surprise, but instead with longing and anticipation. The next time we sight land, it will be Antarctic land.
