Day 12 (12th Jan): Ushuaia in Antarctica and Argentina Travel log

Turns out I didn’t need the dramamine over this Drake Passage crossing. The rocking was just at Lake Lagoda level all the way through. But I do have a sore throat - I blame the coughings in one of the lectures yesterday - so many coughers in a crowded lecture hall. We had more talks today, one related to disembarkation, one by the students visiting the ship giving their wildlife sightings report, and the captain’s farewell. It was impressive how they make it sound like a special journey to them even though they have one every few weeks. I quite like that the expedition team members get to share one unique thing about this trip they liked, since no two expeditions are alike.

We also had activities - towel folding workshop, and a trivia game (which we lost on a tie-breaker) - which were fun. The best part though was the bridge’s visit. They opened the bridge and gave each landing group a chance to see it. The captain gave a well-rehearsed speech about how the ship is controlled, and it was a cool visit. That happens during the drake passage (presumably because there aren’t other ships around) but we saw it towards the tail end, so we were almost into the Beagle channel by then.

View from the bridge:

The waitstaff sang a song to each section of the restaurant on our last dinner; it sounded like they had a great time.

I went to the sun deck to catch a sight of Ushuaia at dusk; it was a pretty view. We were still sailing in the Beagle channel, and there were birds flying alongside the ship because it was blocking the wind for them. A giant petrel was flying so close I could see his eyes and nostril on his beak for a half minute.

The ship just docked, so I guess our cruise is over. Tomorrow will be a transfer day back to Buenos Aires, and then we’ll have 2 more full days there for sightseeing. In warm weather this time!

Night view of Ushuaia: