A day today of settling accounts, plus tips. We had our
departure briefing, a couple of lectures etc, it will be sad to pack up, it’s
been an absolutely fantastic adventure.
Hi, ho, hi, ho, it’s off to the bridge I go. Foggy our there
and wet, on quick walk on the bow, up to the bridge and down to the bar to sort
out the blog. Nearing Cape Horn, but not sure we will see it in these
conditions.
After breaky out on the bow en route to the bridge, but it
was great so while not really dressed for outside I stayed as we neared the The
Horn.
Got dunked by spray a couple of times. Amazing flocks of
Brown Browed Albatross and other birds. The clouds on the Cape cleared almost
to the top as we came within 3 nautical miles. The Captain had sought
permission from the Chilean Navy to come in lose, lucky for us they let us. Saw
some Peale’s Dolpins playing in the bow wave, Gary E got a good shot of these –
but not me.
Following the Horn, we had a lecture from Alan on “Climate
change” – I really struggled to stay awake, we have been burning the candle at
both ends and on the go for days. Time for a quick shower before departure
briefing and VTAE meeting. Folk were then called to the bar to settle accounts
and pay the Russian crew tip.
In the arvo back to the bridge and got some excellent views
of Peale’s porpoises playing beside the ship – unfortunately no Magellanic
Penguins. More birds and the sea is mirror calm, so still and lots of
shearwater and albatrosses just sitting on the water, with not enough wind to
fly or soar. It was amazing over the past couple of days to watch how little
energy these birds use when flying around the boat. The little Cape Petrels,
land on the water and then literally step up on the surface and the wind lifts
them off, without any flapping of wings at all.
Then a tour of the engine room by Parral, a Russian crew
member, a big burly bloke he was too.
Then a bit of packing somewhere during the day and almost
missed lunch – oops.
Off to another lecture by Gary – Sea Ice – some great photos
of his and Robyn’s time at Mawson Station studying the Emperor penguins.
Back out to look at our anchorage in the Beagle Channel –
early in the morning (2am) a pilot will
board the ship to pilot the ship into berth in Ushuaia. So another early start
to watch that.
We have to be packed before breaky and off the ship by 9.00.
(there will be a new set of passengers on board for another adventure by
4.00pm)
Captains drinks and nibbles again in the bar, all very nice.
An opportunity to thank all the crew and staff, plus handing out of
certificates for Polar Plunge, Camping and Kayaking. Hot and crowded in the bar
but a great sense of camaraderie.
Then off to dinner – our last supper – indian curry and
lemon meringue. This was followed by a fantastic slideshow/movie made of the 3
pictures from each person. This was put together so well by Angela and Gary. We
each have a copy and it’s brilliant. Really interesting to see the range of
shots people have selected too, there are some absolute stunner in there.
Back to the bar for a few more drinks before final pack up and
bed at 11.30.
Just to show that the sun wasn't always shining, this is what we had as we were nearing Cape Horn.
The Ship's office - Gary and Robyn hung out here.
Not much happening, so retire to the bar ...Mary and Linda.
The bar is definately CLOSED.
Our room
My comfy bed
The toilet.
Mealtime again.
The two Russian waitresses. Always busy, casual colourful for breaky, black and white for dinner.
The Porridge was excellent.
and many people enjoyed the eggs too.
Some watching proceedings from the bridge.
Had to give you a bird or two for the day.
Some of the hearty souls braving it on the bow.
Linda really braving it up on the flybridge.
Cape Horn
Cape Horn or maybe just an island in the Beagle?
Birds with Cape Horn etc in the background
Struggling to take off.
Dipping the wing?
More sitting around.
Anna downloading some photos I reckon.
Around the ship
The Beagle was mirror smooth.
Engine room tour.
Peale's Porpoises. they were really tricky to catch.
More around the ship.
Thanks to the staff who weren't there to thank earlier. Ilona, Tim, Kirsty, Kathleen and ??
Me braving the blowy and at times wet bow.
and me with the Cape.
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