The Drake Passage

Today the National Geographic Explorer sailed north into the Drake Passage, accompanied by Pintado Petrels and Southern Fulmars. Northeasterly winds gusted to 45 knots, keeping many of us quietly in our cabins, thinking back over our voyage in the Antarctic. As we make our way toward home, we take with us memories of sunny days on the Antarctic Continent, filled with spectacular views of wind-swept mountains and pristine glaciers. Finally we had a few quiet moments to look through the amazing photographs taken on our journey, to see again those penguins carrying rocks to their nests, or the curious looks from seals on the ice. We’ve learned so much about these animals, the rock and ice they call home, and the underwater world which provides their nourishment. It is still amazing to be sitting cozily on board National Geographic Explorer, tea or coffee in hand, looking out from the ship at so many seabirds gliding gracefully above the waves.
 
Like so many days before, today brought the unexpected. In the afternoon, the National Geographic Explorer shifted course to offer aid to another ship, who had lost her communications antenna in the storm. After relaying messages and helping re-establish her communications, we were given clearance to continue on our way toward Ushuaia. 
 
Wrapping up research for yet another Antarctic voyage, the Oceanites team tallies the final nest counts for the many penguin colonies visited on our trip. Having visited seven established Antarctic Site Inventory (ASI) areas, we’ve added important new data to the ASI database. Most exciting was the chance to see a potential new colony being established, a lone Chinstrap Penguin nest where none had been seen before. As researchers, we will anxiously watch the progress of this nest through the season, whether it succeeds, and who returns next year. We’ve enjoyed sharing what we’ve learned about the success of the Gentoo Penguins on the Peninsula, the local declines of Adélie populations, and the connections to the dramatic changes occurring to the Peninsula’s climate.