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I’m writing this a day late, but yesterday was jam-packed and today we’ve been at sea, working our way through the notorious Drake Passage. Named after Sir Francis Drake, it is fabled for being an incredibly rough body of water, located from the southern tip of South America to the Antarctic Peninsula, connecting the Atlantic … … Continue reading →
Every day of this cruise has had a big “wow” factor with opportunities to snap lots of “Kodak moments,” but today was incredible! It actually started later last night when the captain tucked us away in the most gorgeous little bay, surrounded by glaciers. The sky was a fabulous blue with clouds making the most … … Continue reading →
Recess Cove, Meusnier Point, Charlotte Bay 64° south latitude This was my first look out the window today to start the new year. Spectacular glaciers, growlers, bergy bits, icebergs, and WHALES greeted me to welcome me to 2026. Just when I thought that yesterday’s whale sightings were over the top, humpbacks put on another grand … … Continue reading →
I love Antarctica! Since I first stepped off a cargo plane near McMurdo Station in 1998, I knew I’d try to get back here again, and again. When I awoke today, I raised the room-darkening shades and immediately saw humpback whales in every direction, right near our ship. I was entranced, watching them feeding and … … Continue reading →
Today was our second day at sea since leaving South Georgia . Right before lunch, a huge surprise was revealed… we’d be able to cruise by Elephant Island. What’s so special about Elephant Island? If you recall the information I shared the other day from Grytviken, South Georgia, there’s a lot of significant history surrounding … … Continue reading →
Last night there was a slight change of plans due to strong winds and possible bad weather in the spot planned for our activities today, so the captain chose the Drygalski Fjord instead. Brilliant choice with its dramatic scenery, and a lovely day filled with abundant sunshine! We sailed last night from point 4 on … … Continue reading →
Anchored in Whistle Cove in Fortuna Bay, it was the perfect spot for observing wildlife. Sir David Attenborough once said that “South Georgia has the greatest concentration of marine mammals and seabirds on the planet.” Well, he wasn’t wrong, that’s for sure. Today I stood among thousands upon thousands of Antarctic fur seals, elephant seals … … Continue reading →
Grytviken: 54° 16’ latitude As an educator, avid polar enthusiast and someone who’s interested in history, this is a day I’ve often dreamed about. While previously based at McMurdo Station on Ross Island, I’ve been lucky enough to visit Robert Scott’s hut from the 1902 Discovery expedition, his second hut at Cape Evans from the … … Continue reading →
It’s been a day of wonder and joy for everyone who loves the magic of the natural world. Shortly after noon today we spotted our first icebergs. Mixed in were lots of bergy bits and growlers. Let me explain. We saw a lot of chunks of floating glacial ice. A growler is approximately less than … … Continue reading →
December 23, 2025 Yesterday was a packed day from start to finish, so I decided to write today while we are at sea. We’re currently traveling the open South Atlantic Ocean from the Falklands to South Georgia Island. Our shore landing yesterday took place by tender, on a warm and sunny day in Port Stanley. … … Continue reading →