At Sea to Antarctica, 11/22/2022, National Geographic Explorer
Aboard the
National Geographic Explorer
Antarctica
We’ve left behind the Falklands and South Georgia, having taken several thousand pictures in each of those destinations. Fortunately, we’ll have a sea day to sort through them.
Ahead of us, Antarctica. When will we get there? It depends on how fast we cross the storm and how well National Geographic Explorer navigates the 21 feet high waves. Hopefully by tomorrow morning we will be in the calm waters of the Weddell Sea. If we’re lucky, we might encounter emperor penguins! In the meanwhile, we will relax with a nice tea while we watch the seabirds follow our trail. More to come tomorrow!
Javier 's passion for birds and nature began as a child exploring the Pyrenees mountains with his father. The mystery that surrounds the Lammergeier silhouette triggered his curiosity and interest towards wildlife. Javier studied biology in Spain 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.
