Guam - Santiago Sep. 8 - Oct. 17. Missives from The Andesite Line on Pursuit

[highplanesdrifters]

12 hours ago, Rancher Dave said:

That was an all night project last night. Boy am I worn out now.  Only 2 more sleeps before heading to SCL and a couple of sleeps there before we board. 

 

Hope you are enjoying the cruise...would love to have been able to stay on from Guam on thru your cruise and the one we now are going on. 

 

 

How exciting!  You're almost here.  Wish I could physically pass the torch instead of virtually.  

 

Adventure awaits.

[highplanesdrifters]

12 hours ago, Rancher Dave said:

That was an all night project last night. Boy am I worn out now.  Only 2 more sleeps before heading to SCL and a couple of sleeps there before we board. 

 

Hope you are enjoying the cruise...would love to have been able to stay on from Guam on thru your cruise and the one we now are going on. 

 

Giddyup,  you're almost here.  I wish I could pass the torch physically instead of virtually. 

 

Adventure awaits!

[highplanesdrifters]

Ana Kana, Rapa Nui

Day II

Wrap up to a power packed few days.

 

 

Ahu Ature Huki

 

This is what I call.a top.shelf zodiac landing.

 

 We didn't get a swim in. Many guest did and said it was amazing.

 

Things are so much better when you have an entire island to give you a lee. We could have swam to shore...easily.  But first it was back to Hanga Roa to attempt a landing there. No go, fine by me.  Back to the north shore and Idyllic Ana Kana.  It does create getting to town for those not on tours.  Shuttles do not start until tours are over because all the busses are being used on tours.

 

 

Locals to assist, or perhaps oversee. 😁

 

In case you haven't had your fill of the Moai, here's a few more sites.

 

Ahu Tahai

A site walking distance from town.

Imagine those eye spying on you. 

 

 

 

 

Ahu Akivi

 

The only site not situated on the sea. Positioned to face the setting sun.

 

I hate my parents.

 

 

You can see the cement repairs to some heads around the neckline.

 

 

Something thing that was hard to comprehend were the dozens of platforms all about the island that once held standing Moai. They were everywhere. Horses roam freely about the island. They are all branded. It is not uncommon to see them wandering about the Moai sites. Farmers can be fined if their horses or cows are caught.

 

 

 

 

 

Speaking of farmers.... We were evacuated at the end of our quarry tour because of a fast moving fire becoming dangerously close. Yikes. Farmers often burn their grass to promote regrowth. In 2022 a burn got out of control and spread into the volcano, damaging countless Moai.

 

 

The fire was still burning the following day and the Quarry site was closed.  So lucky we slipped in on the first day.

 

 

 

[Rancher Dave]

15 hours ago, highplanesdrifters said:

 

Giddyup,  you're almost here.  I wish I could pass the torch physically instead of virtually. 

 

Adventure awaits!

Guess it just depends what time you debark...we should be at the front end of boarding since we are staying in San Antonio Wednesday night.      All packed on this end ready to go, spend a day getting to SCL. With plane changes 14:20 more or less to get there.  Ready for a break from the normal...and see continent #7.

 

Enjoy the remaining days on your cruise!!!

[highplanesdrifters]

15 hours ago, Rancher Dave said:

Guess it just depends what time you debark...we should be at the front end of boarding since we are staying in San Antonio Wednesday night.      All packed on this end ready to go, spend a day getting to SCL. With plane changes 14:20 more or less to get there.  Ready for a break from the normal...and see continent #7.

 

Enjoy the remaining days on your cruise!!!

 

Wahoo, safe travels.  I know you're a seasoned traveler,  but just in case, San Antonio can be a bit...well... sketchy.  Be safe.

We head off at 9:30am.

[highplanesdrifters]

Selkirk Island

Aka Mas Afuera

 

 

Hooray for Seabourn!

Yep, you heard me right. They deserve it.  

 

With the guidance of local fisherman they found the Titania, a German shipwreck not seen for 110 years.  

 

The family that controls this particular section for fishing has passed down its location for generations using sight marks. They have also found metal pieces in their Lobster cages nearby.

 

The Expedition team had heard this story from their local guide, and subsequently made arrangements to meet the fisherman. To their surprise he showed up and the wreck was exactly where he said it would be. Chilean officials are thrilled.

 

I was not one of the lucky ones. It looked spectacular. Thousands of fish too sweeten the pot. I suspect Seabourn will be touting this one and the video will be available to all.

 

In the meantime here are a few bad pics of the presentation just to give you an idea of how amazing it was. Sign up for this one!

 

No pics! CC still has problems. 

[LandlockedLolli]

7 minutes ago, highplanesdrifters said:

Selkirk Island

Aka Mas Afuera

 

 

Hooray for Seabourn!

Yep, you heard me right. They deserve it.  

 

With the guidance of local fisherman they found the Titania, a German shipwreck not seen for 110 years.  

 

The family that controls this particular section for fishing has passed down its location for generations using sight marks. They have also found metal pieces in their Lobster cages nearby.

 

The Expedition team had heard this story from their local guide, and subsequently made arrangements to meet the fisherman. To their surprise he showed up and the wreck was exactly where he said it would be. Chilean officials are thrilled.

 

I was not one of the lucky ones. It looked spectacular. Thousands of fish too sweeten the pot. I suspect Seabourn will be touting this one and the video will be available to all.

 

In the meantime here are a few bad pics of the presentation just to give you an idea of how amazing it was. Sign up for this one!

 

No pics! CC still has problems. 

Holy wow! 

[highplanesdrifters]

CC Pictures are back in biz.

 

Again bad pics from the TV, but wanted to give you a sneak peak at the amazing find.

 

 

 

 

 Fish were swarming the Submarine.

 

 

 

Look who came for a visit.

 

[highplanesdrifters]

Selkirk Island

Aka Mas Afurea

 

Selkirk is an extinct sheild volcano which rises dramatically out of the ocean to 4,100 feet.

 

 

 

 

 

A few fisherman call this mostly uninhabited island home from October to May. Aside from showing off their catch,  they were thrilled and proud to tell us they now have Starlink and Solar power.

 

 

 

Our treat was a zodiac ride exploring all the nooks and crannies.

 

 

 

Home to the friendly Juan Fernandez fur seal which endlessly entertained us. Unique to this area.

 

 

 

 

 

And the bonus ...a Black Browed Albatros.  A lazy lot around here as they just follow the fisherman for scraps.

 

 

Sweet dreams.

 

 

 

 

[lincslady]

Lovely stuff, thank you.

[highplanesdrifters]

After the fur seal frolic the Captain suggested a regatta. 

All able bodied reported to the mudroom for victory or humiliation. 

Under bluebird skies and calm seas chaos ensued.  We got caught in Pursuits, crashed into the other team, spun around backwards.   Humiliation it is!

 

 

 

 

[highplanesdrifters]

 

Robinson Crusoe Island is the main island in the remote Juan Fernández Archipelago and national park, off the Chilean coast. It’s known for its dive sites and native wildlife such as firecrown hummingbirds and fur seals. On the northern side is the fishing village of San Juan Bautista. Nearby, political prisoners were once held at the Cave of the Patriots.   

 

OK, you caught me. I'm phoning it in with a wicki cut and paste.

 

Words can not capture the beauty of this place.

 

 

A short hike up to the Caves.

 

 

 

Nice views for the prisoners. 

 

 

 

The fisherman legacy is everywhere.

 

 

Storage lockers for them by the sea.

 

 

What do they catch here?  Lobster! Yes please.

 

 

A little ceviche and crab empanada. You should be very jealous.

 

 

Cold beer to wash it down.

 

Thr restaurant kept running out of lobster. Fisherman were bringing up their fresh catch to keep her supplied.  WOW.

 

 

 

The Submarine did dives on the German wreck Dresden. Rave reviews from those that went.  The town is littered with military leftovers. 

 

 

 

The children were out and about greeting everyone. Some had a class project to interview as many guests as possible.  So delightful and welcoming. 

 

 

Hand painted magnets...$5.  Yep, got one!

 

 

At 2:30 all were invited to a Pirate Party. Pisco Sours, empanada, Octopus and lobster bites were served.

 

 

Johnny Deep came.  

 

 

A local band provided the tunes. 

 

 

Check out the horns.

 

 

Quick spin by the fur seals on the way back to the ship.

 

 

 

Scenery galore.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[RetiredandTravel]

Looks like after some early disruptions you had a great trip HPD.  Thanks for taking the time.

 

 

[highplanesdrifters]

Just now, RetiredandTravel said:

Looks like after some early disruptions you had a great trip HPD.  Thanks for taking the time.

 

 

 

Thank you kind sir.  It's all about leadership and navigating the limits the mother ship poses.  Once we got a new Captain and EL things changed dramatically.

 

And thanks for the Melt Up

😉

[highplanesdrifters]

Our last day at sea.

Why not throw a deck party!

Served by the truly amazing Expedition Crew.

 

 

 

 

 

Cruise Director Lupi.  A crowd favorite.  

 

Final Farewell

 

 

 

 

 

[highplanesdrifters]

On a disappointing note, it appears that Seabourn will be eliminating Voyage Videos.  We said a very sad goodbye to the insanely talented Patrick Rooney.  He made us laugh, cry and jump for joy.

Check out his web site.

https://www.dearfriendfilms.com/about

 

He is surely destined for great things. 

 

 

 

[highplanesdrifters]

That's a wrap!

 

Will try and do a recap.

 

[BioInfoLib]

On 10/16/2024 at 11:05 AM, highplanesdrifters said:

CC Pictures are back in biz.

 

Again bad pics from the TV, but wanted to give you a sneak peak at the amazing find.

 

 

 

 

 Fish were swarming the Submarine.

 

 

 

Look who came for a visit.

 

Photos are great and what a fantastic experience.

[BioInfoLib]

Thanks so much for the live report! You kept me connected to the Pursuit and it’s amazing team, and you inspired me to get to Easter Island etc hopefully 2026. Can’t wait until September when we are back on board. 

[johng75370]

2 hours ago, highplanesdrifters said:

On a disappointing note, it appears that Seabourn will be eliminating Voyage Videos. 

That is very disappointing; to me it’s one of the things that Seabourn does very well for sailings where there is an expedition crew, but doesn’t promote or inform people about effectively.  We’ve come across shipmates who are not aware of it.  We’ve been on a couple of Alaska voyages where they have done them, and we were blown away at the quality of them.  

 

I hope this doesn’t mean the Voyage Tracker overall is going away; the daily commentary, pictures, and videos have let us follow along on expedition or “adventure” journeys our friends are on, or go back to itineraries we’re researching:

https://www.seabourn.com/en/us/experience/voyage-tracker

 

On a different note, thank you!  Your posts and pictures have really motivated us to get off the bench and make plans to spend more time in that part of the world.

Edited Friday at 01:29 AM by johng75370

[kej1]

@highplanesdriftersthank you so much for taking us along!  Your photos and commentary were  amazing!  And so happy to hear you had a change in the EL and captain.  That certainly appeared to make a huge difference.  Now thinking about the Papeete to Chile leg following our Kimberly and Indonesia trip next August/ September.  Can’t wait to be back on the Pursuit just wish we didn’t have to wait so long….Travel safely!

[Fletcher]

Many thanks @highplanesdrifters for devoting so much time and effort to us, your readers.  It has been a nostalgic trip for me, seeing all those wonderful places which remain basically the same as they were when we did our cruises down in the South Pacific.  My next cruise/blog (on Silversea)  is in two months but it will be tame compared to your adventure.  

[lincslady]

Many thanks from me too;  it felt nearly as good as being there sometimes.

[markandjie]

Wonderful thread, thank you! Always a fan of the narrative and the photos and videos you share. We've got our eye on a similar itinerary in 2026 if by then I can manage to shake off this unfortunate job I seem to have acquired. 

 

[highplanesdrifters]

9 hours ago, johng75370 said:

 

 

I hope this doesn’t mean the Voyage Tracker overall is going away;

 

I think Voyage Tracker is here to stay. Expedition team and Herald were actively prodding everyone to share with friends and family.  A low cost marketing tool for them.