Long ago, sailors made disastrous expeditions to Antarctica and called it the “Worst Journey in the World.” However, I think that everyone on board the National Geographic Orion would agree that our voyage was one of the most remarkable experiences they have ever had. Although the Drake Passage had its moments, in all, our ten day voyage reaped the benefits of fair weather and spectacular lighting for being the windiest, coldest, most formable continent. Today, we saw the Drake Passage in its real form in which all the sailors wrote about. Today, we woke up to a sea of 7 meter and winds blowing 45 knots and gusting to 60. This didn’t seem to matter, as nearly everyone was out and about looking at photos from this truly enchanting trip. It was easy to reflect on the fantastic journey that we had all just shared; waiting anxiously after a whale tail fluke for the mighty mammals to resurface minutes later, walking amongst adorable penguins tobogganing across the snow and stealing pebbles and even ice chunks from neighbors, and watching outstretched seals flare their nostrils as we sailed past their ice floes. Our ship may be but a mere fleck of iron and steel in the vast blue sea, but we made our way towards a continent of many more colors than the whimsical white wonderland far behind in our wake. Guests have been going through and submitting their final photographs for the guest slideshow that would be on display this evening. This trip in particular certainly had a stunning array of photographs to choose from.
Although very fashionable, guests seemed relieved to return their heavy boots and accessories before packing up their luggage. Afterwards, the Captain shared his passion and experience navigating amongst the ice in Antarctica. It is always a pleasure to hear the passion saturated in the words of others speaking about the challenges and adversity within their profession, yet remaining zealous in their hard work.
Our presenters today discussed how the climate changes we are going through these days is affecting majestic places like Antarctica and what we can do in our own lives to help slow the warming.
Tonight at the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail Party we celebrated not only the amazing navigation through the ice and narrow passages in which our courageous Captain took us, but also the amazing array of photographs from the guest slide show.
As the Beagle Channel came into view the seas calmed and beckoned keen photographers to snap some last minute shots before retiring to their cabins after an amazing journey exploring Antarctica, celebrating the New Year, learning about the awe inspiring natural history of Antarctica, and appreciating quality time with family and new friends on board. This will most certainly be a trip not soon forgotten, and we wish everyone a happy New Year and safe travels home.
