Drake Passage
Last night we left the calm, protected waters of the Beagle Channel and entered the infamous Drake Passage. Despite its fierce reputation, we are enjoying our crossing as we have a steady breeze blowing from our stern. The wind is definitely in our favor as it is edging us ever southwards towards the Great White Continent of Antarctica. A day at sea where we were able to relax and settle in to our new ‘home’ is just what we needed after a few days of traveling. Our morning began with an introduction to the ship’s staff and then a virtual tour of the ship by our Hotel Manager Willy Sietz. Later we joined Ian Bullock for his presentation on seabirds. Ian and the other naturalists were out on the deck to identify the many seabirds that were out circling the National Geographic Endeavour. We saw the great wandering albatross – a bird with a wingspan of over 11 feet and its smaller cousin the black-browed albatross as well as petrels of various species. It was warm and sunny and many of us were reluctant to leave the decks despite the call to lunch. The afternoon was spent napping, reading and attending presentations before we donned our finery for Captain Leif Skog’s Welcome Cocktail party. It is very exciting to know that today is the day that we are the furthest from land and that we are in the middle of the world’s most notorious stretch of ocean. If we continue to make such good speed we may even see land tomorrow! As all sailors are superstitious souls, I would ask you all to knock on wood…
Last night we left the calm, protected waters of the Beagle Channel and entered the infamous Drake Passage. Despite its fierce reputation, we are enjoying our crossing as we have a steady breeze blowing from our stern. The wind is definitely in our favor as it is edging us ever southwards towards the Great White Continent of Antarctica. A day at sea where we were able to relax and settle in to our new ‘home’ is just what we needed after a few days of traveling. Our morning began with an introduction to the ship’s staff and then a virtual tour of the ship by our Hotel Manager Willy Sietz. Later we joined Ian Bullock for his presentation on seabirds. Ian and the other naturalists were out on the deck to identify the many seabirds that were out circling the National Geographic Endeavour. We saw the great wandering albatross – a bird with a wingspan of over 11 feet and its smaller cousin the black-browed albatross as well as petrels of various species. It was warm and sunny and many of us were reluctant to leave the decks despite the call to lunch. The afternoon was spent napping, reading and attending presentations before we donned our finery for Captain Leif Skog’s Welcome Cocktail party. It is very exciting to know that today is the day that we are the furthest from land and that we are in the middle of the world’s most notorious stretch of ocean. If we continue to make such good speed we may even see land tomorrow! As all sailors are superstitious souls, I would ask you all to knock on wood…
