Ahmet Erkun

Ahmet Erkun

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Remote Weddell Sea Explorer
RWSE Day 6: Grytviken … the Critters
16. helmikuuta 2025, Etelä-Georgia ja eteläiset Sandwichsaaret ⋅ 🌧 39 °F
Yes, the last footprint had us leaving Grytviken on a zodiac. But how can I not post some photos of the wildlife 😊 So, here goes.

Compared to when we visited Grytviken in 2007, today there was a lot fewer wildlife to distract us from exploring the whaling station and the South Georgia Museum.

The wildlife here — not just the penguins and other birds, but the seals as well — have been heavily impacted by the avian flu. In fact, when we came ashore, the expedition guide who gave us our briefing, pointed out areas to stay clear of because there were animals that were showing symptoms of avian flu. The path to the cemetery, which was closed at the height of the epidemic due to large numbers of dead seals, was open today … an indication perhaps that the worst is now in the past.

Nonetheless, as we meandered around the station, we did find healthy critters that were happy to pose for us … intentionally or not.

(Word to the Wise: There is a video and a couple of photos of giant petrels feeding that might not be for the squeamish.)Lue lisää
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MatkaajaIt would not have occurred to me that avian flu would be an issue in such a remote place. But I suppose that birds being long-range travelers means disease being carried for long distances.
13.3.2025VastaaKääntää
Two to TravelExactly and due to the proximity in which all of the wildlife congregate, it can spread like wildfire.
13.3.2025VastaaKääntää
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RWSE Day 6: Grytviken … Whaling Station
16. helmikuuta 2025, Etelä-Georgia ja eteläiset Sandwichsaaret ⋅ 🌧 39 °F
As I previously mentioned, South Georgia Island was a hub of the whaling industry. During that time, 175,000+ whales were hunted and processed at several whaling stations along the coastline.

Established in 1904 by Carl Anton Larsen, Grytviken was the site of the first permanent whaling station on SGI. The whalers weren’t the first to work out of here, however. During the 19th century, sealers operated from Grytviken … which, in Swedish, means Pot Bay … a reference to the old try-pots found here that were used to render oil from blubber.

Historic records indicate that during the course of the 60 years that the Grytviken station operated, over 54,000 whales were processed here … one of them a nearly 112-foot long blue whale that was caught in 1912 … the largest on record.

The station ruins at Grytviken were cleaned up between 2005-2007. Once the hazardous materials were removed, visitors were welcomed. That timing makes us one of the first to visit the station when we made a landing here in January 2007.

Today, we came ashore on a beach near the rusty hulls of the Dias and Albatros … both having served here first as whalers and later as sealers. As we wandered around the ruins of the station, making our way to the cemetery, we recognized several station artifacts from our previous visit. Others were new-to-us … perhaps because our attention in 2007 had been captured by the critters. The rusted out condition of the artifacts, however, signaled that they had been here for quite some time and borne the brunt of the storms that batter SGI on a regular basis.

The cemetery is one of the must-visit sites in Grytviken. On the outskirts of the former station, it is here that Shackleton was interred after his death in 1922 … on his last Antarctic quest … he did not make it beyond SGI that time. He was buried here at the request of his wife.

In 2007, we toasted the ‘Boss’ with vodka … we were on a Russian ship after all. This time the toast was made with whiskey, and Tennessee, our expedition historian and a Shackleton buff, read a passage honoring the life of the explorer.

Another must-visit site is the church, which is located behind the whaling station … near the foothills of the jagged mountains. Constructed by the Norwegians in 1913, it was pre-fabricated in Norway and erected by the whalers here in Grytviken. Our timing was perfect as we got to hear Carolyn, a fellow-passenger, singing in the church. In addition to being a place of worship, the church was at times used as a library, a movie theater, and a store.

By the time we walked out of the church, it was time to make our way to the landing beach … the last zodiac back to the ship was about to leave.Lue lisää
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Matkaaja Quite a collection of books!
10.3.2025VastaaKääntää
MatkaajaIt really looks like a beautiful place. The church was really nice inside. And the singing was a treat.
11.3.2025VastaaKääntää
Two to TravelWhen you return for another trip, you need to include South Georgia … it is quite magical.
11.3.2025VastaaKääntää
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Remote Weddell Sea Explorer
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RWSE Day 6: Grytviken … SG Museum
16. helmikuuta 2025, Etelä-Georgia ja eteläiset Sandwichsaaret ⋅ 🌧 37 °F
We received a 100% rating!

The effort put in by the passengers, the expedition team, and the ships’ crew and staff to comply with SGI’s biosecurity measures paid off. With zero infractions, we received the stamp of approval and a letter authorizing us to go ashore not just at Grytviken, but at other SGI landing sites as well. Two thumbs up!

Ferried ashore by zodiacs, we had a number of things that we could do in Grytviken. When we visited in 2007, we were so enamored of the wildlife that we did not have time to pay much attention to either the museum or the station itself. Our goal this time was to reverse what we did last time and head to the museum first.

The South Georgia Museum, housed in what was once the villa of the manager of the Grytviken whaling station, opened in 1992. There is also a post office, but we had no need to go there, so we skipped it.

At the museum, we wandered around the exhibits about the history of the island — before, during, and after the whaling period; checked out some of the taxidermied species … of which the albatross that died from natural causes on Bird Island is probably the most popular; read about life here when it was a hamlet; and refreshed our memory with respect to Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton’s connection to the island … not the least of which is the fact that he is buried here in Grytviken.

Entirely new to us this time was an adjunct building in which we found a replica of the James Caird, the small boat that was taken off Shackleton’s ship, the Endurance, before it was crushed in the ice. The boat played an important role in the Endurance saga … carrying Shackleton and five other men some 800 miles across the Southern Ocean to then mount the rescue of the men left on Elephant Island.

(If you are not familiar with all this about Shackleton and Endurance … I have a slide show of sorts from our 2007 visit at this link … https://eenusa.smugmug.com/Antarctica/Falklands…).

A quick wander amongst the whaling artifacts on the lawn was next … from try-pots used to render oil from blubber obtained from seals to a steam-driven bone saw … amongst which fur seals played. Then we headed off to explore the ruins of the old whaling station. More on that in the next footprint.Lue lisää
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I have read lots of books about Shackleton and found them to be fascinating! Really enjoyed your post on this!! [Deidre Blank]
6.3.2025VastaaKääntää
Two to TravelHe pretty much failed at everything he tried, but his people and leadership skills were really good…they use the Endurance expedition as a case study at Harvard Business School.
6.3.2025VastaaKääntää
MatkaajaThanks for the link to the slideshow about Shackleton. The Royal Collection in London had an exhibit (called The Heart of the Great Alone) featuring photographs of Shackleton's expedition. The grit of those explorers is quite incredible.
7.3.2025VastaaKääntää
Two to TravelAnd the photographs of Frank Hurley on the Endurance expedition are so amazing … more so considering the times. It’s a shame that he could only save so many and he had to break the glass plates of the others that he left behind. To think that they could have possibly been restored now that the Endurance has been found in the Weddell Sea. If interested in the finding of the ship, check the Endurance22 website.
8.3.2025VastaaKääntää
MatkaajaThat is very sad that he chose to break the glass plates. Thanks for the link to the Endurance22 expedition. It is wonderful that they found the ship.
8.3.2025VastaaKääntää
Two to TravelShackleton ordered him to do so to remove the temptation of going back to get more glass plates because they were limited with how much they could man haul once the ship was crushed.
8.3.2025VastaaKääntää
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Remote Weddell Sea Explorer
RWSE Day 6: Grytviken … Heritage Trust
16. helmikuuta 2025, Etelä-Georgia ja eteläiset Sandwichsaaret ⋅ 🌧 37 °F
“Human effort is not futile, but man fights against the giant force of nature in a spirit of humility.” ~~ Sir Ernest Shackleton ~~ (from the Daily Program)

We arrived at our anchorage in Cumberland Bay during breakfast. Grytviken — once a whaling station and now the government seat, if you will, for the British Overseas Territory of South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands — was off in the distance. The morning was misty. Snow was spitting. Those conditions, however, would be changing soon enough.

While the Captain and our Expedition Leader [EL] Sara dealt with the formalities that would allow us to go ashore, we gathered in the bar for a presentation by a member of the South Georgia Heritage Trust.

The mission of the Trust is twofold … as described on its website …

“ To help efforts to conserve and protect those species of indigenous fauna and flora that breed and grow on South Georgia or in the surrounding seas and to raise awareness of South Georgia’s threatened species;

* To assist efforts to preserve the historical heritage of South Georgia, including selected historical sites of importance, and increase international awareness of the human history of the island through the South Georgia Museum.”

An interesting glimpse into projects — past, present, and future — in which the Trust is involved.Lue lisää
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MatkaajaWonderful that such preservation and restoration work is being done.
7.3.2025VastaaKääntää
Two to TravelAbsolutely. We had an auction on the ship to donate to the cause.
8.3.2025VastaaKääntää
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Remote Weddell Sea Explorer
RWSE Day 5: Wrapping Up
15. helmikuuta 2025, Etelä-Georgia ja eteläiset Sandwichsaaret ⋅ 🌧 36 °F
What a day this turned out to be! From our scenic arrival cruise along the northwest coast of SGI to our landing at amazing Right Whale Bay … it was truly a spectacular bay.

But it wasn’t just this that made for a memorable day. En route, we had a number of whale sightings … mostly blows and dorsal fins at a distance. But then … we were graced by the presence of the world’s largest mammal (ever) … the southern blue whale! My camera has a long lens, but isn’t necessarily a speedy one. However, some generous soul shared a photo at recap.

Speaking of the recap, today it was a short one following our return from our four-hour landing at Right Whale Bay. Sara explained the plan for tomorrow … two landings anticipated; one in Grytviken and another at St Andrews Bay. The latter is especially weather-dependent … as we know from our visit in 2007 when a sudden katabatic wind called a halt to the zodiac operations that would have taken us there.

An early dinner and then a repeat of the biosecurity checks in preparation for the official inspection tomorrow! We are aiming for 100% compliance 🤞🏻Lue lisää
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RWSE Day 5: Right Whale Bay Landing
15. helmikuuta 2025, Etelä-Georgia ja eteläiset Sandwichsaaret ⋅ ☁️ 36 °F
South Georgia Island has a long — but thankfully no longer active — whaling history. In fact, the bay where we made our landing today is named after the Southern Right Whale. Right, not for the direction (as in left or right). Rather, right in the sense of being the best type of whale to go after as this species swims slowly, and when killed, floats on the water … thus making them easy to hunt and process.

But our wet landing at a black sand and pebble beach today had nothing to do with that sad chapter in SGIs history … and everything to do with a king penguin colony that is estimated as having 25,000 breeding pairs … as well as fur seals, elephant seals, skuas, giant petrels, and even some gentoo penguins.

The Right Whale Bay of today is a picturesque and ecologically significant site. We managed not to get too distracted by the penguins and seals on the beach and hiked up a tussac-covered hill to a ridge that gave us an expansive view of the main colony before going down for a closer look … always cognizant of keeping the 5m distance from wildlife that is mandated by IAATO. Not so easy to do, I might add, when you have naturally curious penguins wanting to get a closer look at us and playful fur seals wanting to practice their attack skills by charging us.Lue lisää
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MatkaajaLooks like an incredible place.
2.3.2025VastaaKääntää
Two to TravelSGI is amazing. Anyone who does an expedition to Antarctica should make sure the itinerary includes stops here.
3.3.2025VastaaKääntää
MatkaajaI’m so enjoying all the photos and videos of this incredible trip!
2.3.2025VastaaKääntää
Two to TravelHappy to hear you are enjoying the trip.
3.3.2025VastaaKääntää
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Remote Weddell Sea Explorer
RWSE Day 5: Welcome to SGI
15. helmikuuta 2025, Etelä-Georgia ja eteläiset Sandwichsaaret ⋅ ☁️ 36 °F
“Sailors, with their built-in sense of order, service, and discipline, should really be running the world.” ~~ Nicholas Monsarrat (from the Daily Program)

When we visited South Georgia Island in 2007, we started off near the top of the southwest coast, making our first landing at King Haakon Bay, before doing a zodiac cruise at Cape Rosa. Then, heading west, we rounded Bird Island to continue our exploration along the northern coast.

Today, we headed straight for the northern shore of SGI. Icebergs and jagged peaks frosted with snow greeted us … at first a bit overcast and misty … but soon the light was brighter, the sun was peeking out, patches of blue were appearing in the sky, the colors were becoming deeper and more brilliant.

What a welcome to SGI … as we made our way to today’s landing site.Lue lisää
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Remote Weddell Sea Explorer
RWSE Day 4: Shag Rocks
14. helmikuuta 2025, Etelä-Georgia ja eteläiset Sandwichsaaret ⋅ 🌬 37 °F
Shag Rocks are exactly what the name says they are … rocks that some might call islets. Part of the British Overseas Territory of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, they are 150 miles west of SGI. Rising from a depth of nearly 1,050 feet, the tallest of the six rocks reaches 246 ft above sea level.

Covered by the guano of seabirds, the rocks are primarily home to the South Georgia shags, though it is also possible to see prions and wandering albatrosses here. The birds rest and breed on the steep peaks. We saw plenty of them as we passed by the rocks. Seals and whales inhabit these waters, but none of them put in an appearance tonight.Lue lisää
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Remote Weddell Sea Explorer
RWSE Day 4: @ Sea to SGI
14. helmikuuta 2025, South Atlantic Ocean ⋅ 🌬 36 °F
“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” ~~ St Augustine ~~ (from the Daily Program)

Sighted our first icebergs of the voyage today! Many, many more to come.

The Scotia Sea, on this third day of our crossing from the tip of South America to South Georgia Island, was calmer. Those conditions prevailed throughout the day.

Presentations and lectures continued — “An Introduction to Penguins” … “History of Whaling in the Southern Ocean” … “Pray for Shackleton.” In the latter lecture, Tennessee jumped ahead to the ImperialTrans-Antarctic Expedition (aka the Endurance Expedition) since our itinerary will essentially be following a similar route through the Weddell Sea … without getting beset in the ice 🤞🏻

Much of our afternoon was taken up with the mandatory biosecurity inspection required by South Georgia. We cleaned all of our outer gear — including vacuuming pockets, hoods, zippers, and velcro closures — and the expedition team inspected our work … just as the SGI authorities will be inspecting their work on arrival in Grytviken. We will get another chance to practice tomorrow since we will be landing on SGI before the official inspection.

Daily recap and dinner were moved up in anticipation of our first land sighting since departing Ushuaia on 11 February.

EL Sara briefed us on tomorrow’s landing location and weather/sea conditions … both look great.

Expedition members then gave us their recap snippets — Gary talked about the ‘divorce rate’ amongst penguins … shattering the myth that they are primarily monogamous; in honor of Valentine’s Day, Tennessee talked about an explorer named D’Urville claiming land in Antarctica for King and Country … and naming it, as well as a penguin species, after his wife, Adélie; Claudio shared with us a screenshot from the Vessel Finder app that showed fishing vessels (transponders off = likely illegal fishing) around sub-Antarctic Islands and a fish processing vessel identified as a cargo vessel.

And then … land ahoy!Lue lisää
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RWSE Day 3: @ Sea to SGI
13. helmikuuta 2025, South Atlantic Ocean ⋅ 🌬 37 °F
“A journey is like a person, no two are alike. And all plans, safeguards, policies, and coercion are fruitless. We find after years of struggle that we do not take a trip, a trip takes us.” ~~ John Steinbeck ~~ (from the Daily Program)

Overnight we left the infamous Drake Passage — which treated us if not to a ‘lake’ then at least not to a really bad ‘shake’. We are now in the Scotia Sea.

Our second morning at sea toward SGI (South Georgia Island) started off with a mandatory briefing … or rather, a visitor guide video. Of primary concern here is the fragile ecosystem into which we do not want to introduce any alien species … organic matter in particular, such as seeds, soil particles, etc. To that end, there are very strict biosecurity rules. We will be inspected by government authorities when we arrive at SGI … and must get a minimum 85% compliance in order to be allowed ashore.

This sea day otherwise followed the established routine of presentations — “Introduction to South Georgia” … “Whales and Dolphins of the Southern Ocean” … “How to Take Photos You Are Happy With.”

At the daily recap, EL Sara announced that we should be arriving at Shag Rocks for our ‘cruise-by sightseeing’ around 7:15p tomorrow … assuming we can maintain our current speed. Members of the expedition team then shared snippets of information on topics ranging from how the sea birds use the winds to stay aloft; to the superstitions of mariners; to a summary of a study with regards to the Antarctic ecosystem.

By the way, we lost an hour today … the change was made at noon so that we don’t lose an hour of sleep!Lue lisää
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MatkaajaI love the idea of changing the clocks at noon! As we progress eastward on our around-the-world journey we are regularly losing hours, always in the evening. Doing it mid-day would be great.
27.2.2025VastaaKääntää
Two to TravelI know some cruise lines do this on TransAtlantics … but I don’t think I’ve ever encountered it on Oceania.
27.2.2025VastaaKääntää
MatkaajaLove th photography instructions
28.2.2025VastaaKääntää
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Remote Weddell Sea Explorer
RWSE Day 2: @ Sea to SGI
12. helmikuuta 2025, South Atlantic Ocean ⋅ 🌬 39 °F
“One must never be in haste to end a day; there are too few of them in a lifetime.” ~~ Sir Francis Drake ~~ (from the Daily Program)

It was a rollin’ kind of night as we left the Beagle Channel for the Scotia Sea for the crossing to SGI (South Georgia Island). Not that the sea state was all that bad, but the waves were hitting us broadside. And they continued to do so throughout the day. One hand to the ship was the rule to keep ourselves safe.

Oh my! What big feet we have!!!

After breakfast, we were called down to collect our muck boots. I tend to get cold feet, so I wear a wool liner sock over which I put on really thick socks. Add the shearling sole inserts we brought with us, and that means I had to go up three sizes over my normal shoe size! Similarly, Mui went up three sizes.

On an expedition of this nature, a day at sea is filled with lectures and presentations — “Sea Birds of the Southern Ocean” … “Search for Terra Incognito: Magellan to Cook” … to name a few from today.

Another feature of these voyages is a daily recap during which the expedition leader — Sara Jenner, on this voyage — reviews the daily happenings and briefs passengers on the 'planned' activities for the next day. Other members of the expedition team will usually present snippets of interesting information … the colossal squid; and measuring latitudes and longitudes were amongst today’s topics.

Overall, a quiet day at sea as Ortelius continues to maintain a steady speed of 11-12 knots.Lue lisää
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MatkaajaSo much to learn!
28.2.2025VastaaKääntää
Two to TravelIt’s interesting to hear what we heard about on previous trips from a different perspective.
28.2.2025VastaaKääntää
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And We Are Off!
11. helmikuuta 2025, Argentiina ⋅ ☁️ 41 °F
Embarked Ortelius … ✅

Settled into our cabin … ✅

Got reacquainted with the ship … ✅

Completed the mandatory safety briefing and muster drill … ✅

Enjoyed the sailaway from the open decks … ✅

Stopped off in the Beagle Channel to pick up the helicopters and Chilean pilots that will be accompanying us on this journey … ✅

Attended the daily briefing; met the expedition team; and learned that we should have a fairly smooth first day crossing to South Georgia Island tomorrow … with waves in the 2.5-3 m (8-10 ft range) … ✅

Enjoyed our first meal aboard Ortelius … ✅

Attended the mandatory IAATO and zodiac operations briefings … ✅

Ready to be rocked to sleep … ✅

Our adventure has begun!Lue lisää
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MatkaajaWishing you smooth seas…
24.2.2025VastaaKääntää
Two to Travel🙏🏻
25.2.2025Vastaa
Matkaaja You booked this with Oceanwide? Have you received good service from them?
25.2.2025VastaaKääntää
Two to TravelYes, direct with Oceanwide … but thru their US office in Houston. Excellent service … this is our second unique itinerary with them. They are a strictly expedition focused company. No luxuries … just comfortable.
25.2.2025VastaaKääntää
MatkaajaThanks.... Good to have another option to look at. We are currently very keen on NatGeo/Lindblad, but are open to other ideas.
25.2.2025VastaaKääntää
Two to TravelIf you have never been to the Antarctic, I don’t know that I would recommend this itinerary or the Ross Sea one. They have a lot of days at sea because of the distances to be covered and they are risky, remote itineraries. The best itinerary for first time IMHO is one that takes in the Peninsula and South Georgia, and then branch out from there if you want to return for more. That itinerary is the standard tour. You also need to weigh your wants and needs with what the operator offers. If you want a straightforward no frills itinerary, Oceanwide, for example, is good. If you want a bit of luxury (drinks included with meals, heated floors in the bathroom, etc) then Quark is good. More luxury … well, then you get into the Silversea category. I’m not sure where NatGeo/Lindblad fall these days, but you can use what you know about them for comparison. You also want to keep your ship as small as possible … 100 or less is ideal. Happy planning!
25.2.2025VastaaKääntää
MatkaajaThanks, I particularly want to see the Falklands and South Georgia, so the "standard" three week itinerary seems like the best one for our first time to Antarctica.
26.2.2025VastaaKääntää
Two to Travel👍🏻
26.2.2025Vastaa
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Remote Weddell Sea
11. helmikuuta 2025, Argentiina ⋅ 🌬 41 °F
If the ice conditions allow it once we cross the Antarctic Circle, this is where we will be going!

Red is not a good color for us!
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MatkaajaOh no! Fingers crossed!
25.2.2025VastaaKääntää
Two to TravelI’ll give you a hint … we’ve gotten further south in the Weddell Sea than any other pax ship has before. The ice is at least being good in that respect.
25.2.2025VastaaKääntää
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Ushuaia: One Last Wander
11. helmikuuta 2025, Argentiina ⋅ 🌬 39 °F
Rat-a-tat-tat! Throughout the night heavy rain pounded the picture window.

What we didn’t know until we pulled open the drapes when we woke up was if that rain had changed to snow at some point. It had not. The ‘major snow event’ forecasted to bring 3” of the white stuff to Ushuaia had remained in the mountains.

Checking out of the apartment at 10:00a, we Ubered to Club 1210 on Avenida Maipú … the designated luggage drop off. Embarkation of Ortelius was slated for 2:00p. We had planned for this … we would go for one last wander around the city and have empanadas for lunch.

Coffee break at Tante Sara to get out of the soggy weather. Lunch … a tradition no more as El Turco, our favorite empanada place, now requires that you order a main course as well as empanadas … boo, hiss! To make up for that disappointment, a delicious sweet treat at Almendra … which very much lived up to its slogan … “the name of good ice cream.”

And finally … time to embark Ortelius.Lue lisää
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Ortelius in Ushuaia
10. helmikuuta 2025, Argentiina ⋅ 🌧 37 °F
Ortelius — the Oceanwide Expeditions vessel that will be taking us on our polar adventure — is snug in its berth at the pier in Ushuaia.

Embarkation day is nearly upon us. One more sleep on land tonight and we will likely be rocked to sleep at sea tomorrow night.Lue lisää
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Ushuaia: Our Kaupé Tradition
10. helmikuuta 2025, Argentiina ⋅ 🌧 43 °F
Kaupé = We are home … in the local indigenous language.

Having dinner at this family-owned and operated restaurant is one of our pre-Antarctica expedition traditions. The ambiance is warm. The food is delicious. And we are always treated like we are one of the family. Indeed, it feels like we are home.

—————————————————

For those interested …

Appetizers: Mussels; Caprese Salad
Main Courses: Grilled Octopus; Chilean Sea Bass
Dessert: Wedges of chocolate mouse on a bed of dulce de lecheLue lisää
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Sonia Gelman Delicious!
22.2.2025Vastaa
Two to TravelIt definitely was.
22.2.2025VastaaKääntää
MatkaajaYum!
24.2.2025Vastaa
10 tykkäystä
Remote Weddell Sea Explorer
Ushuaia: Empanadas & Murals
10. helmikuuta 2025, Argentiina ⋅ ☁️ 46 °F
To get out of the chill and wind that developed suddenly, we headed up to Doña Lupita, an empanada place that came highly recommended. We were not steered wrong.

After a casual, but tasty lunch, we wandered some of the side streets to check out the murals we had glimpsed on our way to the restaurant. The bonus? The sun came out briefly and helped to warm us up.Lue lisää
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Had empanadas there in 2022! [Bob]
25.2.2025VastaaKääntää
Two to TravelWe have had just empanadas here in 2006, 2007, 2014, 2015, and 2023. You can still have empanadas as long as you order a main course as well.
25.2.2025VastaaKääntää
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Ushuaia: Birds @ Bahia Encerrada
10. helmikuuta 2025, Argentiina ⋅ ☀️ 46 °F
The plan for today was to go back to Bahia Encerrada, the nature reserve in the city … to visit with the birds and take photos, but also to circumnavigate it for exercise and sightseeing.

But Ushuaia’s notoriously unpredictable weather put paid to those plans.

I was happily taking videos of the South American terns that were fishing at an outflow channel when suddenly the temperature dropped at least 10 degrees and an icy-cold wind started blowing seconds later. Mother Nature started spitting sleet … and then rain … and then snow … and then rinse and repeat.

Time to find some shelter.Lue lisää
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MatkaajaEnjoy Ushuaia-one if my favorite places! Your bird photos are amazing! Wish we were there!!!
22.2.2025VastaaKääntää
Two to TravelWould have been fun to do this trip together.
22.2.2025VastaaKääntää
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A-wander in Ushuaia
9. helmikuuta 2025, Argentiina ⋅ ☁️ 52 °F
This is our fifth time in Ushuaia. We’ve pretty much seen and done much of what the city and area have to offer visitors.

The main reason we give ourselves extra days in Ushuaia prior to embarking an expedition vessel to Antarctica goes back to our first time here … in 2006/2007. On that occasion, one of our gear bags didn’t make it onto the flight from Washington, DC to Buenos Aires … a nonstop flight, no less. It took three days for us to be reunited with it in Ushuaia … just 12 hours before we were to head south to the White Continent. (It’s also why I make an inventory of the contents of each bag … in case I have to shop for missing items.)

Anyway, all went well with yesterday’s flight … nothing went missing. So we used our free time today to relax and just wander around. And also to find the luggage drop-off point for embarkation day.

(P.S. I always take a photo of the St Christopher … today was no exception. Here’s the story of the wreck of the St Christopher for anyone interested … https://ushuaiatravel.com/en/the-saint-christop….)Lue lisää
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Welcome to Fin Del Mundo
8. helmikuuta 2025, Argentiina ⋅ ☁️ 50 °F
Welcome to "Ushuaia, fin del mundo, principio de todo."

The slogan of the city, located at the southern tip of Argentina, translates as "Ushuaia, end of the world, beginning of everything."

Though the Chileans would disagree, the Argentinians claim Ushuaia as the world’s southernmost city. The claim is generally accepted as true. You see, although Puerto Williams, Chile is indeed further south, its population is too small for it to qualify as a city. In any event, the city's slogan, is a way for Ushuaia to promote its status as a gateway to Antarctica.

Our flight from BsAs was uneventful; no problem settling into the AirBNB that will be our home for a few days. We’ve done our grocery shopping; we’ve wandered around the city for a bit. As has become a tradition, we’ve gotten our pre-expedition haircuts from Fernando at Staff Stylos. We’ve enjoyed a hearty meal at Isabel Cocina al Disco … watching today’s fleet of Antarctic expedition vessels heading off on their journeys. And we’ve taste-tested two brands of alfajores to sate our sweet tooth.

Time to get some shuteye!Lue lisää
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Bye Bye BsAs … Again
8. helmikuuta 2025, Argentiina ⋅ ☀️ 91 °F
Following a post-Iguazú Falls hotel stay in Buenos Aires [BsAs] last night, this morning we returned to AEP for our next domestic flight with Aerolineas Argentinas.

This time we are flying south to Ushuaia. Everything went smoothly at the airport … no delays … no mishap … bags weighing in at under 15kg (~32 lbs) each as allowed by this airline … time enough to grab a light breakfast before boarding was called.

Uneventful flight so far … two hours to go to reach our destination.Lue lisää
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Erin, I'm just getting caught up with your beautiful photos from Iguazú Falls. What a fantastic experience to see the them from both sides as well as from the soaking water level! Looks like a wonderful trip so far...can't wait for Antarctica! [Mary O. Greenberg]
19.2.2025VastaaKääntää
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Iguaçu: The Falls from Brazil
7. helmikuuta 2025, Brasilia ⋅ ☁️ 86 °F
“Argentina has the falls; we have the view!”

So joke the Brazilians … or so Jorge told us on our way to Brazil to see the falls from a different perspective. I can categorically say that the joke is no joke! It’s the absolute truth. Not that we didn’t enjoy the our experience yesterday in Argentina. But today, seeing the falls from the opposite bank of Rio Iguazú was an exceptional experience. The two sides of the falls complement each other beautifully.

Following the Path of the Falls, we had spectacular views of the Argentinian falls … before arriving at the boardwalk that crosses the river for an up-close-and-wet look at Brazil’s very own Floriano Fall.

By the way, the flow over the falls today was a bit heavier than yesterday … 2 million liters PER SECOND (528,000+ gallons)!Lue lisää
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Matkaaja That's a lot of water!
18.2.2025VastaaKääntää
This is a wee bit of water!!! 😅☔️ [Manuela]
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Should you go back to the falls, treat yourself to a helicopter flight - we couldn't resist to spend the money back in 2019 and felt this spectacular experience was worth every penny! [Manuela Hofmann]
19.2.2025VastaaKääntää
Two to TravelWe would have done so had we been on our own.
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Iguazú: Gran Aventura in Motion
6. helmikuuta 2025, Argentiina ⋅ ☁️ 91 °F
A short snippet of our boat ride to take a ‘falls shower’ … thanks to Mui’s GoPro footage we have a record of our adventure.
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Sonia Gelman Do not need to take a shower
12.2.2025VastaaKääntää
Two to TravelYeah, we got 2 of them on the boat.
13.2.2025VastaaKääntää
Sonia GelmanGreat video!
12.2.2025VastaaKääntää
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Iguazú: Gran Aventura
6. helmikuuta 2025, Brasilia ⋅ ☁️ 90 °F
We knew about the boat adventure that sails up Rio Iguazú Inferior … the section of the river below the falls.

We really had no plans for doing it. Instead, we were going to walk the Lower Circuit trail while we waited for those doing the boat ride. But then, it was so darned hot that we sweated buckets. Suddenly, a cool ‘shower’ or two under the falls sounded like a great idea.

Our Iguazú Jungle Gran Aventura started with a 25-minute truck ride over bumpy, dirt roads to the boat embarkation point … which was 200+ steps down from where we were dropped off. Collecting heavy-duty waterproof bags for our valuables, socks, and shoes, we donned life vests. And off we went on a wild and woolly ride that left us soaked to the skin! I’m telling you, there wasn’t an inch of skin left dry! It felt good, though … and the 94F heat dried us out (mostly) by the time we were finished with the return truck ride and rejoined our group.

(I included a couple of videos with this footprint. But for the real McCoy, I have to wait until Mui can process his GoPro video … my phone was safely secured in the dry bag before things got too wet!)Lue lisää
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Sonia GelmanI did it. Lots of fun, but I was completely wet. Rain poncho did nothing.
10.2.2025VastaaKääntää
Two to TravelYeah … we figured rain gear would not offer any protection so we didn’t even consider taking any with us.
11.2.2025VastaaKääntää
MatkaajaMuch reading and enjoying photos for me to get to as I am packing for our trip, Even reviewing the highlights will make sure I return soon to savor all this for real. Looks so wonderful,
12.2.2025VastaaKääntää
Two to TravelAs usual, I am behind … the humid heat in Iguazu was so draining that I didn’t feel like doing much writing or photo processing.
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Iguazú: Exploring the Argentinian Falls
6. helmikuuta 2025, Argentiina ⋅ ☁️ 86 °F
This morning we joined 10 other people to explore the Argentinian side of Iguazú Falls.

Once we purchased our admission to the park, Jorge (our guide) got shuttle train reservations for the ride to the last stop to see the infamous Devil’s Throat, the canyon where the Argentinian and Brazilian Falls sort of unite (see map).

Yes, we got a bit wet from the clouds of mist billowing up from the water plunging into the canyon … how can you not when the flow over the falls today measured at 1.7 million liters PER SECOND! (That’s about 450,000 gallons per second.) No matter … it was worth it! Not to mention refreshing.

And then off to do the Circuito Superior … a boardwalk trail that follows the top of the falls for peek-a-boo views through the heavy foliage.

It was 94F with high humidity … miserable, in other words. We were drained by the time we got back to the trailhead. And we needed some sustenance before we could proceed with the on-the-fly plan we had made to further explore the national park.Lue lisää
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Matkaaja Awesome photos. On our current cruise it was an overland optional excursion. Didn’t select it with three others we are doing (Safari, Taj, China/Great Wall) but need to add it to our bucket list. I know you had a great time.
10.2.2025VastaaKääntää
Two to TravelDefinitely a must see … from both sides of the river.
10.2.2025VastaaKääntää
MatkaajaSTUNNING photos and the sound from the waterfalls takes your breath away!
10.2.2025VastaaKääntää
Two to TravelA much used word, but it really was awesome.
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Iguazú: Madero Tango
5. helmikuuta 2025, Argentiina ⋅ ☁️ 79 °F
Our tour package included a tango show that I’d categorize more as a tango and folklore show.

There was a bit of a communication mishap in that our tickets actually included a 7-course degustation experience. But we were told dinner was not included, so we ate at the hotel before a driver from the tour company picked us up and drove us to the show venue in Puerto Iguazú. Oh well.

The show featured more than just tango dancers … there were also gauchos performing with boleadoras … a lariat with balls at one end … used to catch animals by entangling their legs; drummers performing with Bombo legüeros … a traditional Argentinian drum made of a hollowed tree trunk covered with a cured animal skin; and dancers who would have been the envy of Cirque du Soleil performers.

It was a nice wrap up to our first day in the Iguazú area.Lue lisää
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MatkaajaThey make it look simple and stunning!
7.2.2025VastaaKääntää
MatkaajaHarika...👏👏👏
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MatkaajaLooks like a great performance. Not great when you have just eaten and are then presented with a nice dinner!
8.2.2025VastaaKääntää
Two to TravelIt was a shame, but we enjoyed the show anyway.
8.2.2025VastaaKääntää
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