Antarctic Cruise Day 27 / 40 - Ushuaia, Argentina - we can finally count it
Trip day: 27 / 40Port days: 9
Sea days: 17
Countries: 5
Continents: 3
Ports/Landings: 6
The last time we were in Ushuaia on our world cruise, we only did a technical stop to pick up fuel. Since the stop was unplanned, they had not cleared our visit with Argentina, therefore, we were not allowed off the ship. I didn't count it as a country or even a port on that trip since we couldn't set foot on land. That changed today as we're legitimately in Ushuaia so we can add another country to our list of countries visited.
Ushuaia is known as the city at the end of the world and is generally recognized as the southernmost city in the world.
Our plan today was a catamaran trip in the Beagle Channel, visiting Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, known as the lighthouse at the end of the world. We would also visit a place known as Isla de los Lobos or Sea Lion Island, and Puerto Karelo.
Of course, before that, we needed to eat breakfast. This is how they take care of us - they had Coke Zero set aside for us, just to be sure they were ready.
Before we headed out, we walked up to the front of the ship. Remember the video yesterday with the water coming completely over the window?
See that big window. That is the window I was filming yesterday. For reference, each of the red bars I added is roughly one meter. If you count carefully, the top of the window is about ten meters above the water line. This means that the front of our ship dipped at least 30 feet under the water yesterday! Wow!
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| Our ride for the catamaran cruise |
We stopped at Estancia Farm, a former lumber mill. Now, they have few cattle.
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| We saw this guy trying to conquer a huge hill |
Next up was Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, the lighthouse at the end of the world.
The island, like Sea Lion Island, is home to many sea lions as well as imperial cormorants and other birds.
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| I'm not sure what was happening, but I think this cormorant was broken |
Imperial cormorants
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| Hauling kelp |
We stopped at Puerto Karelo for a scenic view.
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| Arlona - doing her water-touching thing |
Our final stop was Sea Lion Island, home to sea lions and imperial cormorants.
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| A pregnant female |
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| Does she look tired? |
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| Landings looked awkward |
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| Hauling kelp |
We headed back to Ushuaia.
After lunch, we headed into town and walked around.
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| The southernmost Hard Rock Cafe |
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| Check out the crabs |
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| I'm guessing these bags aren't sold in English-speaking countries |
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| Returning to the Polaris |
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| A beautiful view - plus a mountain in the Andes |
When we returned to our room…we saw this.
Yes, we need to start spitting in a vial again. I chatted with a friend on the Octantis today and they are starting it as well. It looks like it is a Viking corporate decision and has nothing to do with our specific cruise. Oh well, after 163 days of doing that on the world cruise plus extensions, we know what we're doing.
Would just like to say that I look forward to your posts! They are very detailed and I love the photographs also. I feel like I’m apart of your adventure. Thankyou for taking the time to do this
ReplyDeleteI think you are now heading to an almost indescribable part of the world. I really believe you have to go there to see just how beautiful the place is. Thanks for the magnificent photos you are providing. We were there in 2010 and still have great memories of Antarctica. Keep enjoying yourselves and I would like to know how you both describe the aroma of the penguins when you set foot on there breeding grounds.
ReplyDeleteHi Geoff! I was surprised as Volunteer Point in the Falkland Islands wasn't bad-smelling. Magdalena Island off Punta Arenas, Chile, however...whew, that was stinky.
DeleteYour post today brought back such wonderful memories. I think Ushuaia and the surrounding area is one of the most beautiful places on earth. What a fabulous journey you are on. I look forward to your posts as you continue!
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