Drake Passage, Cape Horn & Beagle Channel
Our expedition cruise has drawn to a close with a calm Drake followed by a rounding of Cape Horn, where we were all reminded of what the sailing ships of yonder year had to endure as they attempted to get around this part of the world. At times the journey would take three months. We then sailed up into the Beagle Channel and close to the place where a young man made the decision to dedicate the rest of his life to natural history. In his diary he wrote that he “hoped to make a small contribution to it.” His name was Charles Darwin.
It has been a wonderful and eventful trip with lovely weather. There have been many experiences with the wildlife and very unusual occurrences such as seeing a large number of killer whales. One young killer whale was seen helping itself to a snack consisting of a gentoo penguin. We have indeed been privileged with the sheer beauty of ice. Some of our shipmates have been very young and it somehow seems appropriate, in closing, to let them share with us their experiences. Please take a moment to really enjoy the prose and the drawings of these young people, you will find the experience enriching.
“There’s not really another place like Antarctica. People always ask what my favorite part is, but I cannot choose. Between the wildlife, the ice and the scenery everything stands out to me, and it is impossible to choose a favorite or most memorable part. It certainly has been an experience of a lifetime.” Anna Phillips
“Antarctica is awesome for its scenery and wildlife. You get to see the sun twenty four seven which is awesome, and also seeing the mountains and glaciers is beautiful. You also might see the beautiful orange moon, seeing the orange moon is deceiving. You also might get to cross the Antarctic Circle and when you do you are happy and joyful. You also get to swim in Whaler’s Bay, Deception Island volcano which is very fun. While you’re in Antarctica you get to see lots of wildlife like penguins, seals, albatross and more. You also get to go on hikes, and get very close to penguins while you’re on your hike. You might be able to get really close to a leopard seal and when you are close enough to see the leopard seal you’ll say that the leopard seal looks like a dinosaur. You could see a leopard seal eat a penguin which is a great experience.” Luke McCollough
We wish you all a safe journey home and look forward to future expeditions together.
