Mikkelson Harbour & Cierva Cove, 11/12/2016, National Geographic Orion
Aboard the
National Geographic Orion
Antarctica
We awoke this morning to another stunningly beautiful Antarctic Day and after breakfast not a minute was wasted! We enjoyed a fabulous walk ashore with the Gentoo penguins at D’Hainaut Island in Mikkelson Harbour. After lunch we explored the impressive glaciers of Cierva Cove via Zodiac and then the bravest of us even went for a swim, or “polar plunge”, in the calm but frigid Antarctic waters.
A passionately curious person by nature, Adam spends his time exploring remote destinations around the world with like-minded adventurers and sharing his extensive knowledge about the local flora and fauna. He specializes in the sexual reproduction ...
Today was our final day on this amazing voyage to South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. We awoke to the most beautiful sunrise over the city of Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city and the capital of Tierra del Fuego. This morning we had the fantastic opportunity to visit a local maritime museum here in Ushuaia for a private opening. Afterwards, we enjoyed a wonderful drive through the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park. After a relaxing afternoon onboard National Geographic Resolution , we were treated to tours of the Bridge, and then a special wine tasting in Tupaia with our incredible bar team. To round out our day, the captain finished our expedition in style with a fabulous cocktail party. We toasted our adventures to some of the most remote islands on the planet.
Until now, we have skirted the mercurial weather of the South Atlantic. Though the sun has been rare, we have been lucky with calm seas and easy access to some of the most exciting landing sights South Georgia and the Falklands have to offer. Today, as our trip nears its end, we had the opportunity to experience a small taste of the conditions that make this such a notorious region for seafarers and explorers. With sustained winds of up to 50 knots wrapping around Cape Horn, the ocean quickly began to churn. Our captain and bridge team found us shelter in the Beagle Channel where we spent the day appreciating the power of the ocean and the biodiversity of Tierra del Fuego. While onboard in the comfort of our new ship/home, National Geographic photographer Camille Seaman shared a collection of photographs she took throughout the last two weeks. Naturalists Madalena Pachaco and Bud Lenhausen shared stories of exploration and changing climates. Photo caption: The chart shows our way to protection from the storm in the Beagle Channel. Photo by Alex Krowiak
We continued sailing from the Falkland Islands to Ushuaia, crossing the Le Maire Strait and entering the Beagle Channel. On our way, we enjoyed spectacular landscapes as seabirds followed us.
