There’s no time to be bored in a world as beautiful as this. ~ Unknown
Saturday, December 19, 2015
Last night we arrived in Ushuaia after our 50 hours of traveling from Antarctica. The Drake Passage was VERY smooth and we are all extremely thankful. Upon arrival we talked to some of the travel representatives and they said our original crossing was a C-10. When I asked what that meant, it was explained to me that the scale goes from 1-12, with 12 being the worst storm. We had 20-21 foot waves so Drake Lake was very much appreciated on the return trip.
On the way back to Ushuaia, we saw a couple more whale species. We saw fin whales, which are the second largest mammal and whale in the world, behind the blue whale. They can be up to 30 meters long and 36 tons. We also saw Type A killer whales and some dolphins.
Prior to our arrival in Ushuaia, we did have the opportunity on Friday morning, (thanks Captain Krüsse) to diverge slightly off our path and see Cape Horn, the headland of South America. Now, this area is actually owned by Chile and foreign ships are not allowed within 12 miles; ships that come closer must be a Chilean ship and have a Chilean captain. The National Geographic Explorer is actually registered in the Bahamas for tax purposes, as are many ships.
We also entered the Beagle Channel, which was named after Charles Darwin’s Ship, the Beagle. Between 1826 and 1836, voyages of both the Beagle and the H.M.S. Adventure explored South America and circumnavigated the world. Captain Robert Fitzroy published this narrative in 1839 and of course Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution was partially based on his observations while in South America. I have to say, I enjoyed seeing green and trees even though I loved the snow and ice.
Touring the prison in Ushuaia that was extremely interesting. The most violent offenders were placed here in 1903 because it was thought to be the end of the world. The prisoners did work extremely hard clearing the forest, helping build the barracks, constructing roads – for fifty years. The prisoners were transferred out in 1947 and Ushuaia remained a fairly quiet community until the 1970’s. It now has approximately 80,000 people with tourism and manufacturing as the main economic sources.
We flew from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires and arrived about 6:00 PM. Most people on the ship are heading home. I can’t express how wonderful ALL of the people I met on the ship have been. This includes the crew, staff and all of the many passengers I was fortunate enough to meet and with whom to have such incredible conversations. I learned along time ago, if you take time to listen to people, you’ll learn a lot…and I learned a great deal.
A special thanks to Sven Lindblad, Gil Grosvenor, National Geographic – Nina, and Amy with Lindblad and of course all of the private donors who support the Grosvenor Teacher Program for creating this opportunity and allowing me to participate. I am still processing what I have just experienced and will continue to do so.
Saturday, December 19, 2015
Last night we arrived in Ushuaia after our 50 hours of traveling from Antarctica. The Drake Passage was VERY smooth and we are all extremely thankful. Upon arrival we talked to some of the travel representatives and they said our original crossing was a C-10. When I asked what that meant, it was explained to me that the scale goes from 1-12, with 12 being the worst storm. We had 20-21 foot waves so Drake Lake was very much appreciated on the return trip.
On the way back to Ushuaia, we saw a couple more whale species. We saw fin whales, which are the second largest mammal and whale in the world, behind the blue whale. They can be up to 30 meters long and 36 tons. We also saw Type A killer whales and some dolphins.
Prior to our arrival in Ushuaia, we did have the opportunity on Friday morning, (thanks Captain Krüsse) to diverge slightly off our path and see Cape Horn, the headland of South America. Now, this area is actually owned by Chile and foreign ships are not allowed within 12 miles; ships that come closer must be a Chilean ship and have a Chilean captain. The National Geographic Explorer is actually registered in the Bahamas for tax purposes, as are many ships.
We also entered the Beagle Channel, which was named after Charles Darwin’s Ship, the Beagle. Between 1826 and 1836, voyages of both the Beagle and the H.M.S. Adventure explored South America and circumnavigated the world. Captain Robert Fitzroy published this narrative in 1839 and of course Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution was partially based on his observations while in South America. I have to say, I enjoyed seeing green and trees even though I loved the snow and ice.
Touring the prison in Ushuaia that was extremely interesting. The most violent offenders were placed here in 1903 because it was thought to be the end of the world. The prisoners did work extremely hard clearing the forest, helping build the barracks, constructing roads – for fifty years. The prisoners were transferred out in 1947 and Ushuaia remained a fairly quiet community until the 1970’s. It now has approximately 80,000 people with tourism and manufacturing as the main economic sources.
We flew from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires and arrived about 6:00 PM. Most people on the ship are heading home. I can’t express how wonderful ALL of the people I met on the ship have been. This includes the crew, staff and all of the many passengers I was fortunate enough to meet and with whom to have such incredible conversations. I learned along time ago, if you take time to listen to people, you’ll learn a lot…and I learned a great deal.
A special thanks to Sven Lindblad, Gil Grosvenor, National Geographic – Nina, and Amy with Lindblad and of course all of the private donors who support the Grosvenor Teacher Program for creating this opportunity and allowing me to participate. I am still processing what I have just experienced and will continue to do so.
PEOPLE Unless stated, all photos were taken by Beth Thomas.
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MAP
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