Antarctic Sound , 11/15/2024, National Geographic Explorer
Aboard the
National Geographic Explorer
Antarctica
We arrived in the early hours to the Antarctic Peninsula as National Geographic Explorer made her way into Antarctic Sound, navigating through ice flows and penguins towards the fast ice attached to Joinville Island. As the ship pushed into the ice and the gangway was lowered for ice walks, it seems every Adelie penguin within sight wanted to check us out!
The afternoon was spent finding leopard seals, Weddell seals, and all the brush-tailed penguins around the ice before those brave/silly enough aboard went for a polar plunge.
Jamie is from England. He grew up in Oxford, about as far from the sea as you can get in the UK, yet somehow decided he would work in marine biology and conservation. Ever since he reached his teens, he has dedicated time to this passion, working and...
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Today was an opportunity to explore Stanley in a variety of ways. Some of us opted to participate in a 6-mile hike to Gypsy Cove. Despite the rain, the scenery was spectacular. Others opted for a tour of the highlights of Stanley which took them on an adventure around some of the popular attractions. After lunch there was an opportunity for more hikes and a visit to Fitzroy Farm to see a live sheep shearing demonstration. For those that wanted a more relaxing afternoon, they had the choice to explore Stanley at their own pace. The day came to a close with a special presentation by Mensun Bound who helped rediscover the original Endurance .
Today’s adventures offered us the opportunity to enjoy some of the Falkland Island’s most famous treats: seabirds, wind, and cake! Our day began exploring Carcass Island, which included long hikes across impressive ridgelines, photographing a diverse assemblage of bird species, and consuming a smorgasbord of cakes and baked goods at a wonderful morning tea at the island settlement. Following a delicious lunch on board, we made sure to work up an appetite for dinner with some more hiking at West Point Island to visit a bustling seaside colony of black-browed albatross and rockhopper penguins. We were treated to spectacular views of the colony in the sunshine, with the perfect amount of wind for endless fly-bys of albatross dynamically soaring all around us. With our memories filled with amazing Falkland wildlife experiences, we set sail from our days in West Falklands to make our way towards the region’s cultural capital tomorrow at Port Stanley.
Saunders Island offered us a day of contrasts, from dramatic wildlife encounters to rich cultural experiences. The morning greeted us with rain and wind, but the weather did little to dampen our spirits as we explored the island’s extraordinary wildlife. Four species of penguins captivated our attention: king penguins stood in regal elegance, rockhopper penguins bounded nimbly over rocky terrain, and both gentoo and Magellanic penguins busily tended to their nests. Adding to the spectacle, black-browed albatross soared above and tended their own nesting sites, their grace and beauty mesmerizing against the wild Falklands backdrop. By afternoon, the rain gave way to sunshine, though the winds remained brisk. We ventured to Port Egmont, where we visited a working farm and experienced a slice of island life. Upon arrival, we gathered for a delightful barbecue, savoring local flavors amidst the stunning scenery of rolling hills and windswept coastlines. A demonstration of sheep shearing highlighted the vital role of farming in this remote community. As the day drew to a close, we returned to National Geographic Endurance, reflecting on the remarkable blend of wildlife and culture that makes Saunders Island an unforgettable destination.
