Back on Windarra

Antarctica was spectacular and the photos don't do justice to it but we tried. We did not see a another cruise ship while we were at Antarctica just during our crossings of the Drake (1 on the way out, 2 on the way back). It seemed like we were the only people there. We saw the wildlife up close and personal, including curious penguins trying to bite my walking pole or my pants. The views of the mountains, glaciers and icebergs were stunning, especially the bergs that were definitely larger than the ship!

We had a great time. It was nice to take a break from Windarra even though we were still on the water. And we definitely have a healthy respect for the Drake Passage. We wish you could have been there with us.

Sunday we arrived in Ushuaia and disembarked just after breakfast. We took at taxi to our hostel, relaxed and checked the Internet. Rich got a cold the last part of the trip. That is what happens when you are in close confines with almost 200 people. Now I have it too :( In the evening we got together for drinks and dinner with some of the folks we met on the cruise. It is a nice mix of younger people and I guess they don't mind hanging out with us.

Yesterday we took the zodiac back to Isla Navarino and the van to Micalvi and Windarra. Apparently we missed a system that went through while we were gone that included 85 knot winds at Micalvi and the Chilean armada recorded 97 knot gusts. School was closed at Ushuaia as well. James, who looked after Windarra, says everything is a-ok. The lines to and from the boats are like a spider web.

It is good to be back on Windarra as we nurse our colds. Hopefully we will recover soon.

Sent from SV Windarra iPad