CASTRO to PUNTA ARENAS and onto USHUAIA


Leaving Castro and we have 2 days of sailing to Punta Arenas taking in the Chilean fjords and El Brujo Glacier.

As we entered the fjords, it was time for a quick afternoon tea at the Observation Deck.






The sea was mostly calm although there was a reasonable swell that made movement about the ship seem like you have had several hours at the bar. Not much sun light as it was mainly overcast skies.


For dinner, we were invited to eat with one of the expedition leaders and a few other guests. A fun night, excellent food and good company.

I signed up for the kayaking in Antarctica. Julie is still considering it as her elbow/arm is giving her trouble. Paddling may be left to me.

It was an early morning start as the ship traveled through the fjords to get to the El Brujo Glacier glacier. Its starting to get cold.


We arrived in Punta Arenas early morning and decided to take in the town. It is the largest city south of the 46th parallel. Once again we had fine weather so it was a pleasant walking tour taking in the museum and a very interesting cemetery.


Back onboard for a refreshing drink (or 2) and we set sail for an overnight trip to Ushuaia in Argentina. Goodbye Chile.
Getting there we sailed through the Beagle Channel passed by some spectacular glaciers. Although one had to get up early to take in the view - so Julie missed it as the bed was far more appealing.


We sailed into Ushuaia early afternoon. It is the capital of Tierra del Fuego Province and is commonly regarded as the most southernmost city in the world.





Once again a brief tour of the town, coffee and time to catch up in a wifi cafe. A late sail away, delightful dinner and a show.

About 4:00 am we entered the Drake's Passage and the sea state changed. Sailing through a sea swell of about 5 meters and higher wind state. But not uncomfortable. Drakes Passage connects the South Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and defines the zones of climate transition separating the cool, humid, sub-polar conditions of Tierra del Fuego and the frigid polar conditions of Antarctica. So we are getting our warmer clothing ready.

No time for the gym (getting fat) as the ship is a bit unsteady. So its just preparing for the big day tomorrow when we go ashore on the Antarctica Peninsular. Having said that, there is still time for a small snack in the room before afternoon tea. More caviar, smoked salmon, avocado and a bottle of wine.


It's a tough trip.

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