Antarctica & Cape to Cape on Cloud 2-21-24

[highplanesdrifters]

As we round Cape Horn and enter the Beagle Channel I'm starting to wonder if that lap around the northern reaches of Antarctica really happened.  We have been to a few expedition rodeos before and except for the zodiac cruise hiccup (more on that later)  it was sublime perfection. 

 

Hats off the Captian Koev and EL Michael.  While they didn't take us to "where no man has gone before"  they certainly took us to places rarely visited which were visually spectacular and afforded us unique wildlife experiences. 

 

We had hesitation booking this trip because our first Antarctica was perfect.  This journey surpassed it.

 

Captian Koev presenting and award to one of the engineers. 

 

 

We were lucky to have dinner with Captian last night.  Having sailed with him in PNG and Kimberleys last year it was no surprise he is full of stories which he is happy to share.  We particularly enjoyed hearing about the process to get us to the places we went.  Using: Ice charts from 3 different sources. Multiple Wind, swell, weather charts.  Communication with other vessels, although he was the path breaker in many cases. The risk of getting somewhere and being blocked by ice that wasn't there the day before.  So many factors.  It's not a dynamic video game, it's reality.  And we WON!

 

One lecture was about Penguin poo and how some PHDs wrote a paper on it. And then a few years later another group of PHDs revised it.   Hilarious. 

 

 

Comfort food Lunch at The Drake grill. Rubin and fries. Yum.

 

 

 Rounding Cape Horn

 

Good Morning. Going to a balmy 58 today.  Maybe they'll fill the pool!

Edited March 1 by highplanesdrifters

[drron29]

33 minutes ago, highplanesdrifters said:

 

Have to agree, the Pinot was a tad light.  Not much in the convergence except a nap or two and some excellent lectures. We have met some wonderful people and have been closing down the restaurants.   😅

It's one of the few wines that if it is on for the night I ask for an alternative.

[jpalbny]

22 minutes ago, highplanesdrifters said:

One lecture was about Penguin poo and how some PHDs wrote a paper on it. And then a few years later another group of PHDs revised it.   Hilarious. 

 

 

Here you go, a live action shot! This little guy must have read the paper, because the launch angle is quite commendable.

 

 

Even the adults look impressed. 

Edited March 1 by jpalbny

[highplanesdrifters]

Just now, drron29 said:

It's one of the few wines that if it is on for the night I ask for an alternative.

 

Lol, great minds.

 

This is what we swapped it out for. Sublime.

 

Edited March 1 by highplanesdrifters

[highplanesdrifters]

Just now, jpalbny said:

 

Here you go, a live action shot! This little guy must have read the paper, because the launch angle is quite commendable.

 

 

Even the adults look impressed. 

 

Seriously impressive!  🤣

[highplanesdrifters]

Before we swap out part of the Expedition Team tomorrow, I thought I would post details of the cracker jack squad that made this a stellar first leg. Thanks to all!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[highplanesdrifters]

Sail in to Puerto Williams. 

 

What we missed in the convergence we got at the sail in.

Dozens of humpbacks, hundreds of seals, porpoise, so many birds, and magellianic Penguins.  OK, so maybe the Penguins were just little dots, but technically I saw them.  OK, maybe I didn't know the dots were Penguins, but technically I saw them. 🤣

 

Good Morning!

 

 

 

 

Looks liked we just cleared so time for a stroll about the town.

 

 

Humpback close to the boat.

 

 

So many seals feeding in groups of 5-10.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[highplanesdrifters]

Puerto Williams

 

Customs cleared around 2:30 and we had time for a quick stroll about this town of 3,000.

 

First stop Anthropology Museum. Well done and worth a look see. It is all in Spanish. Google Lens was  easy to use for translation.  

 

 

 

Finally a good shot of a brown browed Albatros. 

 

 

Interesting marker/grave(?) for an Argentine industrialist.  I wonder why it's here.  I'm calling it early Celtic Spanish design.

 

 

 

Somebody is good at something

 

 

A large military presence.  Penguins have a dark side not often seen.

 

 

 

 

We were told about the wild horses roaming about town. Quite a population.

 

 

 

 

Um ya, lapped around Antarctica with no problems but almost got trampled by a herd if horses.  How do you explain that one?

 

 

So very sad to bid Farwell to a good friend who is leaving after this leg.  But we did it well.

 

 

 

P.S. A bargin on the revenue list.

 

[WesW]

Have you enjoyed service by Melisa server (her husband is the Carpenter on board) and Eduardo (bartender) in Dolce Vita?

Edited March 2 by WesW

[highplanesdrifters]

Opps forgot this fun bit. Last nights auction.  A nautical map with custom art by a crew member.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[RetiredandTravel]

Enjoy your trip HPD.  Thanks for the trip report.

 

 

[highplanesdrifters]

Just now, WesW said:

Have you enjoyed service by Melisa server (her husband is the Carpenter on board) and Eduardo (bartender) in Dolce Vita?

Melissa is a superstar. We have Enrique behind the bar, also in the superstar camp.  There are so many who fit in that camp on this trip, it's like the old days.  We have been incredibly spoiled by staff. Granted there are some beancounter issues, but we have moved on.😁

[highplanesdrifters]

Just now, RetiredandTravel said:

Enjoy your trip HPD.  Thanks for the trip report.

 

 

Thanks RT!  And thanks for keeping the rally going.  You headed out soon?

[highplanesdrifters]

We have really enjoyed this palette cleanser of a stop in Puerto Williams.   Silversea offered a few morning hikes and an afternoon of  snacks and cocktails at a lodge.   We chose a free roam.  Had a little hike in the park, wander around town - without the stampede this time.  Some local grub topped it off. Heaven.

 

Love that flag.

 

Ferry to Puntarenas 

 

Thats my boat. 

 

End of the World

 

 

Ukika park

 

 

It was so nice to smell the Earth.

 

 

 

 

And then we ran into this crew! Expedition team ready for the next leg.

 

 

 

Needed some local food and Dientes de Navarino did not disappoint!

 

 

Mmmmmm, crab legs.

 

 

Beer made with their Calafate berry. Oh yum. A lager and dark available.   They also do a Calafate Pisco. 

 

 

 

 

English menu available with QR code.  

 

 

 

[Port Power]

How wonderful to actually have the time to explore this quaint town.  Our bus guides to the airport had been so informative, and obviously loved living in Puerto Williams with all its outdoor activities.  You show there is much more to the town than the port.

[highplanesdrifters]

Just now, Port Power said:

How wonderful to actually have the time to explore this quaint town.  Our bus guides to the airport had been so informative, and obviously loved living in Puerto Williams with all its outdoor activities.  You show there is much more to the town than the port.

 

With your adventurous spirit you would have enjoyed!

 

And PSA courtesy of @Port Power don't forget the tops flip on the toiletries!  😁

 

 

 

 

 

[highplanesdrifters]

Welcome aboard to all those who had a long day getting here. What till you see the plane!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[jpalbny]

That plane has a cute paint job!

[highplanesdrifters]

Just now, jpalbny said:

That plane has a cute paint job!

I'm going to give my plane a paint job like that when I get home.

[highplanesdrifters]

Good Day Everyone 

 

Last night we cleared out of our docked position and anchored not long after.  Happy to make room for the Wind who patiently waited for all our guests to arrive.  We set sail sometime after lights out.

 

 

 

 

 

This morning gave us blustery overcast skies, 2-3 meter swells,  and a following seas. We now make our way to The Falklands. 

 

 

 

Our route.

 

 

Stops in Falklands. 

 

 

Hopes for South Georgia. 

 

 

And Tristan de Cunha

 

The Expedition Team

 

 

And Pizza 

 

 

[WesW]

Enjoy your Cape-to-Cape voyage and please have an extra shot of Whisky at Shackelton's grave if y'all land in Grytviken for me.

 

Of the Expedition team shown in your group shot (thanks for sharing) recognize Matt and Wei. Do  u know if they are continuing on with us in Walvis Bay (they both were with us on last year's C2C).  Do know the EL changes for Schalk Botha and the Expedition Program Manager changes for Hillman Permana.

[highplanesdrifters]

Just now, WesW said:

Enjoy your Cape-to-Cape voyage and please have an extra shot of Whisky at Shackelton's grave if y'all land in Grytviken for me.

 

Of the Expedition team shown in your group shot (thanks for sharing) recognize Matt and Wei. Do  u know if they are continuing on with us in Walvis Bay (they both were with us on last year's C2C).  Do know the EL changes for Schalk Botha and the Expedition Program Manager changes for Hillman Permana.

 

 

Will see what I can find out for you Wes.  They haven't posted the Expedition team bios yet.  In the meantime here's the group from Apex.  Already had a top knotch lecture from Jonathan. 

 

 

 

[highplanesdrifters]

Coffin Cove, New Island, Falklands 

 

Another lucky landing!  Gusts up to 30kts and yet still our new Captain Freddie Ligthelm and EL Claudia slipped us in.  The World Birders are already checking boxes.  I hope they get to check them all.

 

Landing

 

 

 

A mile trek across a misty valley to us to a large shaggy colony. A bit on the muddy and slippery side. 

 

 

Along the way....

 

A red breasted something or other.

 

 

The Upland Goose.  Not to be confused with its lesser relative the Lowlife Goose.

 

 

Cara Cara contemplating it's next victim. 

 

 

The Blue eyed shag has gained more popularity with its Barbie Pink feet.  Even the Rockhopper penguin is willing to hang out with them.

 

 

Black- Browed Albatros chick being stalked by a Rockhopper.

 

 

Quite a view for this Shag Colony.

 

 

Skua  - They're everywhere. 

 

 

 

A nice little museum to end the visit. Their fudge is supposedly not to be missed. Stay turned. 

 

 

 

 

 

Charles Barnard was marooned here.  He rescued some Brits, told them they were at war, they then stole the ship.  Ooooops.

 

 

Are they dry yet?

 

 

Lunch is served. Then time to gear up for another landing.

[highplanesdrifters]

The afternoon brought us another rare landing at West Point, Falklands. 

 Scheduled was a hike to Devils nose for some Rockhopper Penguins and Black-Browed Albatros.   Another muddy and slippery route with some communication issues.

 

Upon a nice dry landing we were offered a jaunt to see some Magelanic Penguins. Previously only seen as quickly disappearing dots on entrance to Puerto Williams. Why not!  Well, the terrain was a challenge.  A few falls were witnessed. A heads up about the difficulty and distance would have been nice.

 

Nice dry landing. 

 

 

In this hole is a very rare bird.

 

 

I was just about trampled but escaped in the nik of time.  Very similar to a Puffin Panic. A loud query was heard from one gentleman "where's the Cobb, I was promised a Cobb."

 

 

The trek over hill and dale...and rocks.

 

 

Lovely scenery along the way.

 

 

 

A polar plunge here would be nice.

 

 

The Holy Grail.

 

 

 

Headless cousins.

 

 

Wayward Gentoo

 

 

After the less than pleasant hike to the Magic Penguins we opted for the oh so delightful option of Tea.  Our hostess put out quite the spread, including multiple Gluten Free and Vegan options.  All in a charming wind free setting.

 

 

 

 

Now finding ourselves firmly in the comfort camp we decided to skip the muddy slippery hike to Devils Nose.  Off to the hot tub for some bubbles!

 

 

 

The trip reports to Devils nose from friends was a bit negative.  Some turned back halfway through. Upon arrival others found the site closed due to bird stress. I hope some had a positive experience.  If so, please share.

 

 

 

 

[highplanesdrifters]

On 2/22/2024 at 2:37 PM, highplanesdrifters said:

Some crazy numbers to ponder:

196 passengers 

120 staying for Cape to Cape

118 First Timers on Silversea

 

At the morning briefing the Expedition leader asked how many had never been on a Expedition.  It looked like the entire audience raised their hands.  The expedition leader said "OK, 120%".  Wow, the team has their work cut out for them.  He also said it is the calmest crossing of the season.  On a scale of 1-10, it's 1.2! 😃 I'm am so happy the newbies got the Drake Lake.  There appears to be many more young people, and good mix nationalities. 

 

 

I must correct some inaccuracies previously reported.  JMartCO has pointed out that my street cred has waned.

 

The above numbers were Crazy!  There were only approximately 60 holdovers.  Makes much more sense.  At first briefing for the second leg when asked how many had NOT been on expeditions, only a handful had raised their hands. Reverse of the first leg.

 

Current Stats as reported by reception desk.

177 venitians
200 on board
60 holdovers