December 31, 2022

The Drake Passage

Waiting the two days to cross the Drake Passage ended up being a good plan. When we crossed it going to Antarctica, the ride was smooth. Occasionally there were swells that would cause us to gracefully careen from one side of the hallway to the other but most of the time it was easy walking around the ship.

The reason the Drake Passage can be so dangerous, it that it is the only place that the Southern Ocean, which surrounds Antarctica, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean all come together in the very narrow passage between South American and the Antarctica Peninsula. Nowhere else, are these oceans constricted in such a way as they are in the Drake Passage. It takes about 36 hours for a ship to normally cross the Drake Passage.

Map of Antarctica

Antarctica is larger than the continental United States. It is surprising how mountainous it is. Antarctica is split into East Antarctica and West Antarctica by the Transantarctic Mountains. These mountains also extend to the peninsula.

The map is provided by Krill Oil off the internet.

The Drake Passage

A video from the stern of the ship showing a relatively calm Drake Passage.

Zodiac storage

The Polaris has an area referred to as The Hanger. This is where all the "Toys" are stored when not in use. This is located at sea level so that when we are anchored, large doors are opened and the equipment is moved outside for use.

Special Operations Boat

Polaris had two of these boats. As described by Viking: "Our two military grade, 12-seater ice strengthened aluminum, ocean-going Special Operations Boats are built for exploration. With twin water jet propulsion (2 x 450 horsepower onboard engines), individually suspended seats and the unique ability to convert the open seating into an enclosed cabin" they allow travel further away from the ship than the Zodiacs can go. In addition, they are extremely fast and can move quickly to view interesting scenery or wildlife.

Special Operations Boat

The back of the SOP.

Science Lab

There is also a science lab where the scientists can perform a variety of studies. Viking works with a number of organizations providing data for additional research.

Science Lab

Marine Mammals

Some of the marine mammals we might see in Antarctica.

Identifying mammals

How to identify mammals in the water.

More Marine Animals

More mammals we might see in Antarctica.

Geology Info

Gentoo Penguins

One of the two penguins we will see on our trip.

Chinstrap Penguins

The other penguin we will see on our trip.

Chinstrap Penguins

Antarctic Shag

A bird we might see on our trip.

Seabirds in Antartica

How to identify seabirds based on how they feed.

Common Birds

Birds we might see on our trip.

Antarctic Tern

The Antarctic Tern spends all year in ice-free waters in Antarctica.

Snowy Sheathbill

It is the only land bird native to the Antarctic continent and does not have webbed feet. It finds its food on land and are predators of penguin chicks and eggs.

Kelp Gull

They will scavenge as well as seek suitable small prey.

Drake Passage Certificate

We officially made it through!