Antarctica is often called The White Continent, and that’s hard to argue with. Beautiful white snow cloaks glaciers tumbling down the steep shoulders of the mountains that seem to spring up out of the sea. The pack ice, the frozen ocean, is often a very pure, clean white. But this simple statement obscures the subtle reality. Antarctica is rich in color, everywhere you look. The dark black-blue-green of the sea itself. The cobalt sky that appears between the breaking storm clouds. The pink and rose and glowing orange of the sunsets. And the blue of the ice. It is ice that truly defines Antarctica, and its blue radiance is the most beautiful color I have ever seen, anywhere in the world.
2/20/2024
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Cape Horn and Beagle Channel
The huge distances we have covered on this journey meant that our last full day was spent almost completely at sea on our return leg from Antarctica. After a merciful lie-in, we crowded the decks as we sailed past Cape Horn, the majestic headland at the bottom tip of Hornos Island, the southernmost point of Tierra del Fuego and the entire South American continent. Despite its fearsome reputation, pleasant seas allowed for an enjoyable brunch before we plunged into our presentation schedule for the morning and afternoon. Naturalist Gail Ashton related her experience of living on the Antarctica continent for 18 months, Jonny Reid discussed marine mammal acoustics and the underwater soundscapes of this region, and Jess Farrer explained how the study of whale and seal poop can tell us so much about these animals. As we entered the Beagle Channel, the stunning mountains of Tierra del Fuego lined our passage to Ushuaia. Gathering in the Ice Lounge for the captain’s farewell party, we toasted a hugely enjoyable trip and the new friends we have made.