Today was our second day crossing the infamous Drake Passage. We didn’t quite experience the “Drake Shake,” but I think nearly everyone awoke during the wee hours as the ship started to experience a bit more motion. By mid-morning we made our way east of Cape Horn, giving us increasing protection from the wind and swell, all coming from the west.
Our day included presentations about everything from the indigenous people of the Beagle Channel to ocean ecosystems and humpback whales, of which we have seen many this past week!
A surprise treat was a special afternoon tea served in the ship’s laundry room! Hotel staff provided an array of treats, housekeeping staff decorated the serving area with a range of Antarctic (and other) animals incredibly sculpted out of towels, and laundry staff provided the venue and the smiles.
By cocktail hour, National Geographic Explorer was positioned in front of the outpost of Puerto Williams, our two Chilean pilots already on board. It will be hard to surpass the amazing experiences we had in Antarctica, but the excitement of this coming week in Patagonia is palpable.
