Argentina Antarctica & Chile

Todays the day we will try to do our polar plunge. First stop was at the Polish Station this is manned and is mainly used for researching the effect of krill and penquin numbers. Unfortunately it is too rough for kayaking again.
On the Zodiac's we are warned we may get wet it didnt take a minute until we were all sprayed. Thank goodness for our waterproof expedition gear.

The island has gentoo penquins and elephant seals. There is a family of seals all piled on top of each other trying to keep warm. The juveniles are jostling for position. This was originally a whaling station - scattered all over the island were various whale bones just left where they were slaughtered.
This was the last landing on the continent.

Back on board heading for another landing on the South Shetland Islands. While cruising I get a text from Telstra welcoming me to Uruguay - I believe there is a station nearby. I even get a couple of messages from home.

It is very windy and a strong current. The captain decides to change route to head to Half Moon Island. What a beautiful setting, the sun is out the sky is clear, although the wind is blowing.

Time for the polar plunge - Erin and I are at the front of the queue. We have arranged with Jan , the boat manager, for AB and Callee to also do the plunge. Its ABs birthday and Callee last trip. For the plunge a rope is tied around your waist there is also a safety zodiac. Off the end of the boat you jump off a Zodiac into the sea. It is -1.8 degrees centigrade. Omg it is cold but only last a short time. All up 51 people do the plunge.

Once again it is too windy to kayak such a pity as this is our last opportunity. So as an alternative most kayakers wear the dry suit to land we will plunge again at the island. Our last landing is just beautiful the chinstrap penquins are very cute.

We all gather before heading back to the ship to run into the ocean to test out the dry suits. We stay dry but it is a cold trip back to the boat.

Tonight is party night for ABs birthday then time to jump into the hot tub to watch the sun come up. We even got tp watch some whales under the new sunRead more

Today we woke in El Calafate but will fall asleep in EL Chalten.

After a late breakfast we wandered around the outskirts of town. It is lovely to see the homes painted on such vivid colours - green, red, purple etc. The roofs are steeply sloped and most gardens have beautiful flowers imcluding lots of lavender which i brush against constantly.

At midday we are picked up and transported to the bus station via going all over town picking up others. We reach our 2 storey bus- very comfortable, only about 1/2 full so we spread out.

What a magnificent view - this first hour is snow capped mountains with vivid green glacial lakes. Then onto the desert tundra with rock covered mountains. I feel im in cowboy country waiting for them to come riding over the ridge.

The road is well maintained with very little traffic. We travelled the famous Ruta 40.

Half way we stop at La Leona for a break it must be close to Butch Cassidy and Sundance territory as there are wanted posters on the walls. I totally forgot they were outlaws in this part of the world. Hmm slightly confused as to why these would be here as they only got to Bolivia, but hey I'll go with it.

Onward to El Chalten tundra and snow covered mountains for the rest of the trip. 3 hours in total, very comfortable and would recommend this form of travel.

We arrive in El Chalten right on time at 4pm a short walk and we arrive at our hostel. It is pretty basic but we have our own bathroom and it is close to town.

In most small towns the toilets do not flush correctly so you must put toilet paper in bin not flush - I continually forget. Bad me.

A walk around town finds lots of bars and camping shops. Not sure what the main pastime here is certainly a toss up between drinking and hiking. Happy hours are between 4 &7 and again 10 & 12. 2 GTs for 120 peso approx $9 - we will take that.

Back to the hostel with wine and cheese to finish the night off.Read more