The young explorers examine plankton with Kristin Wornson

Jason Hicks, geologist, lectures about the ice we’ll be seeing farther south

Our marine biologist, Charlie Wheatley, shares images of underwater creatures with the young explorers

A skua finds the ship over 100 miles from the South Orkney Islands!

Alan Root gives us a taste of the life of a young wildebeast on the Serengeti, offering us a change from penguins and whales

Le Boreal - December 27, 2011

12/27/2011

At sea, on route to Antarctica  

Temperature: 33.8˚F (1˚C)

Wind speed: 6 knots        

Cloud cover: 100%

Precipitation: scattered snow squalls    

Awaking to the gentle rocking of a calm sea there was a look of relief on many faces as we enjoyed our morning at sea. Like the days at sea before, we knew it would be a day full of information and excitement.  

Historian Bob Burton started the day off with 'Sir Ernest Shackleton: South Georgia's Hero'. And in depth look at the man and the legacy he left behind. A true storyteller, Bob had us all wanting more before his completion.  

Following closely behind Bob was Geologist Jason Hicks talk 'Antarctic Ice: From Icecap to Growler' a journey through the creation of glacial ice. Falling as snow thousands of years before, eventually melting as a small piece of ice in the Southern Ocean.  

Through out the day we could see the blows of Fin Whales in every direction. Joining the Expedition Team on the outer decks and the ridge we watched intently at each blow hoping for a chance at the largest creature on earth, the Blue Whale. You could hardly decide which direction to look; it was Fin Whale soup in the Southern Ocean! In the afternoon we gathered in The Theatre for a very special presentation. 

Fellow guest, wildlife filmmaker and Oscar nominee Alan Root presented 'The Great Migration – Being a Wildebeest'. Taking us along for the ride with is in depth knowledge of the Serengeti, Alan put us in the middle of one of the natural world's greatest sites.