As our journey comes to a close and we make our way back through the infamous Drake Passage, we’ve all been soaking in the last of our time together on what has become a home away from home. Those still thirsty for knowledge soaked up heroic expedition stories and learned to appreciate lichen in a day full of entertaining lectures. Some did so from a more horizontal position than others. Some of us have been out and about enjoying all the seabirds we’ve come to know and love from the secure warmth of the bridge. Others were hard at work editing the beautiful photos they’ve collected, searching for those that might in some way capture the indescribable beauty we’ve experienced in this magical place. Although we are enjoying or tolerating the Drake in our own ways, all of us are reflecting on the amazing memories we’ve shared together since the last time we made this crossing.
11/21/2024
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National Geographic Endurance
At Sea towards Ushuaia
After a memorable week exploring Antarctica, it was time to head back home towards Ushuaia. Our day in the Drake Passage was a pleasant one, with the seas staying relatively mild with the wind and swell from the northwest. We were treated to numerous presentations throughout the day from our excellent expedition staff. Eric kicked things off after breakfast with stories about ice before Justin shared his amazing experiences filming under frozen lakes on the Antarctic Continent. Following another wonderful lunch from the galley team, we enjoyed some birdlife outside and brief sightings of passing fin whales. Fi was next on the agenda, sharing some tips and tricks for sorting and editing our many photos from the trip. Teatime was a delight today with Swedish pancakes on the menu, and after a good feed, we enjoyed Josh’s talk on the Belgian Antarctic Expedition. Before we all retired to our cabins after dinner, there was one final lecture, with Captain Oliver sharing some tales about the construction of the ship and how it can navigate in these challenging, polar environments so comfortably and successfully.