The wake up call arrives at 5:45am on Wednesday, January 17th. In a fog I remember......Last night we met our fellow passengers at a reception then had an easy meal at the hotel. We finished packing and put our luggage out before 11pm for the tour company to transfer to the airport.
I roll over for a few more minutes in bed but William jumps up to take a quick shower before we go down for breakfast and to pick up our boarding passes. By 7:30am we are on bus to the airport for our 9:00am charter flight to Ushuaia. There are only six open seats on the flight and William and I are happy to find out one is on the aisle in our row. William quickly claims it as I take the window seat.
I roll over for a few more minutes in bed but William jumps up to take a quick shower before we go down for breakfast and to pick up our boarding passes. By 7:30am we are on bus to the airport for our 9:00am charter flight to Ushuaia. There are only six open seats on the flight and William and I are happy to find out one is on the aisle in our row. William quickly claims it as I take the window seat.
Upon arrival in Ushuaia the group is ushered onto buses. We are transported through the city and into Tiera del Fuego National Park to an awaiting an catamaran for lunch and a scenic ride along the Beagle Channel.
The Beagle Channel provides us a first opportunity to see sub-Antarctic birds and sea lions.
At 4:15pm we disembark the catamaran and board the National Geographic Explorer, our ship and home until January 27th along with ~ 150 fellow passengers. We find a well appointed ship with very friendly staff. Our Antarctic outer apparel is waiting for us in the cabin: our parka's (which we will take home with us) and the boots and waterproof pants we have rented.
At 4:15pm we disembark the catamaran and board the National Geographic Explorer, our ship and home until January 27th along with ~ 150 fellow passengers. We find a well appointed ship with very friendly staff. Our Antarctic outer apparel is waiting for us in the cabin: our parka's (which we will take home with us) and the boots and waterproof pants we have rented.
After an initial briefing and dinner we settle into our cabin, which is larger than the cabins on some of our previous cruises. We fall fast asleep with the knowledge that we have entered the Drake Passage - it is rocking the ship. We're not sure we will need it, but both of us have opted to use the sea sickness patch.
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