On the last day of the year, when all other ships pointing toward Antarctica took the typical route, National Geographic Explorer lived up to its name by heading away from the pack and well south toward the Antarctic Circle for a midnight rendezvous. Guests listened to lectures on seabirds and a scientific analysis of sea ice as our parkas, boots, and other gear went through a thorough decontamination in preparation for our first Antarctic landing. The younger explorers embarked on a ship-wide scavenger hunt. Piercing through the fog and eyes wide in anticipation of what we would find, we headed toward the adventure that the Southern Ocean always provides.
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.
