We spent January 4 getting from Santiago to Ushuaia, Argentina. Flew on an all economy charter flight where we had the last 2 seats, really! Survived the 3 1/2 flight with a small snack and not much water because using the bathroom was difficult! Arrived safely in Ushuaia, which is truly the bottom of the Western Hemisphere. We were taken by bus up a long valley to a local restaurant for lamb barbecue, and where a large sled dog breeding and training center shared the location. Left hotel at 7:15 am and finally arrived at the Silver Cloud at 5 pm. Rest of the day was a whirlwind of unpacking, going to muster drill, meeting the 26-member expedition staff, and dinner in the main dining room.
January 5, today, is our first day at sea on the 1,100 nautical mile trip to South Georgia Island. Before daily lectures begin, we have been on deck bird watching, giant petrels and wandering albatrosses. Sunny with calm seas.
We will try to post a couple of pictures a day, not sure that will be possible. If not, we will keep writing and illustrate with pictures when we get home. 🐧
Pictures are of the barbecue and sailing in the Beagle Channel.
“Fun Fact”. One of the causes for rising sea levels is the reduction in the southerly gravitational pull of Antarctica as it’s size shrinks. This effect is seen the most along the east coast of the US and around India.
ReplyDelete