Drake Passage
Our first day crossing the Drake Passage, the waterway that surrounds the continent of Antarctica, was memorable for those of us who have not yet developed our sea legs.
The sea conditions improved during the day and into the evening. This was confirmed by the increase in number of people who attended the later presentations as compared to those in the morning. The first was an introduction to the Natural History Staff and the alliance between the National Geographic Society and Lindblad Expeditions.
Once faces, names, and interests were discussed, a chance to see the true dwellers of the Drake was at hand. Seabirds made their way along the horizon and over the many waves that jostled us about. There were prions, petrels, and albatross.
The albatross have quite a mystique in the Southern Ocean as they are said to have the souls of drowned sailors on their wings, and transport them along the winds. We thought about that legend as a huge wandering albatross came within just a few feet of the stern of the ship. To us it was quite a thrill to see this massive bird using the wind coming off the sea to gently glide past a small ship in a large ocean.
Our first day crossing the Drake Passage, the waterway that surrounds the continent of Antarctica, was memorable for those of us who have not yet developed our sea legs.
The sea conditions improved during the day and into the evening. This was confirmed by the increase in number of people who attended the later presentations as compared to those in the morning. The first was an introduction to the Natural History Staff and the alliance between the National Geographic Society and Lindblad Expeditions.
Once faces, names, and interests were discussed, a chance to see the true dwellers of the Drake was at hand. Seabirds made their way along the horizon and over the many waves that jostled us about. There were prions, petrels, and albatross.
The albatross have quite a mystique in the Southern Ocean as they are said to have the souls of drowned sailors on their wings, and transport them along the winds. We thought about that legend as a huge wandering albatross came within just a few feet of the stern of the ship. To us it was quite a thrill to see this massive bird using the wind coming off the sea to gently glide past a small ship in a large ocean.