Spert Island, 11/26/2024, National Geographic Resolution
Aboard the
National Geographic Resolution
Antarctica
Waking up to blue skies and humpback whales, we commenced our morning operations at Spert Island. On the agenda was a Zodiac cruise weaving through the narrow channels that run through the tall basalt cliffs. On return to National Geographic Resolution, the hotel team provided everyone with a surprise BBQ on deck eight, which we all enjoyed while watching humpback whales feeding around us. We then detoured slightly to Deception Island on our way over to the Weddell Sea.
Jonny started out life in the West coast of England and was often found searching through rock pools down at the beach while walking the dog. His passion for marine life continued to grow and he decided to pursue a career in marine biology, where he ...
Enter travel details to receive reports from a single expedition
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Send Daily Expedition Reports to friends and family
*By clicking the submit button, I authorize Lindblad Expeditions to email me; however, I am able to unsubscribe at any time. For more details, see our Privacy Policy.
Please note: All Daily Expedition Reports (DERs) are posted Monday-Friday,
during normal business hours. DERs are written onboard the ship only and do
not apply to land-based portions of expeditions.
Today we awoke to glorious Antarctic sunshine beaming down upon the cascading ice of Marguerite Bay. On shore at Red Rock Ridge, we watched in amused admiration as Adelie penguins wove their way amongst splendid angular rocky formations. Simultaneously, Zodiac cruisers enjoyed porpoising penguins and spectacular iceberg sculptures, surrounded by towering peaks and the distant backdrop of yesterday’s Alexander Island. As we cruised toward Blaiklock Island in the afternoon, we enjoyed a surprise encounter with a pod of B2 orcas. In true expedition fashion, we shifted plans to enjoy this fortuitous meeting and spent the later afternoon hiking and Zodiac cruising amongst the rarely visited glaciers of Dogs Leg Fjord. With shining sun and glassy waters, we cruised through a wonderland of Antarctic reflections on our way north toward the Gullet. Who knows what unexpected adventures await us tomorrow!
We awoke to the sound of expedition leader Russ calling us to seize the day. We had moved south overnight, passing 69 degrees! As we enjoyed breakfast, National Geographic Endurance navigated into Lazarev Bay, which was filled with icebergs. The amount of ice slowed our progress, and we spent some time ship cruising farther into the bay. Seals and whales were everywhere, and we briefly saw an emperor penguin! Once in position, Russ informed us that this would be a perfect location for kayaking. We excitedly attended the safety briefing before heading to the kayaks or Zodiacs. As we left the ship, we enjoyed two particularly curious minke whales swimming around us, as well as lots of crabeater seals! It was magical. What a great morning! After a delicious lunch whilst the ship repositioned, we prepared ourselves for a Zodiac cruise. We loaded into our Zodiacs and enjoyed weaving amongst the ice once more. Soon we had to return to the ship for one more activity of the day. The polar plunge! We quickly changed into our bathing clothes and lined up to take the plunge. So much whooping and laughter could be heard as we leapt into the freezing water. We dried off and headed to the Ice Lounge for a cocktail and finished the day with recaps from the naturalists on the day’s observations.
Our first full day in Antarctica was just that. Full. Setting foot on land for the first time after a two-day crossing, we stretched our legs at Horseshoe Island, a site established by the British Antarctic Survey as sufficiently ice-free to set up a research hut named Base Y. Around this historic hut, etched into the rocks, are veins of malachite. This mineral is produced after extensive weathering, oxidization, and eventual chemical reaction with carbonates, producing an aquamarine color completely unexpected amongst the Adelie penguins and historic remains on this island. The afternoon activities were by sea, via Zodiacs. Humpback whale sightings were numerous throughout the day. They did not disappoint from the small boats either, breaching in the distance, lunging for food, and surfacing quite near our boats. The finale was when a curious leopard seal showed interest in our presence, giving a few passes by each boat before heading off towards more penguin snacks or a feast of krill in preparation for the approaching end of the Antarctic season and the light that keeps this place rich in life through the austral summer.