Antarctica's White Wilderness Day 5

DAY 5 - Monday, January 18, 2016 - Ushuaia; Visit Tierra del Fuego National Park; Embark "Corinthian"

We had a hearty breakfast at the hotel, the best we have had on our journey so far. Our bags had to be out at 7:00 but we left our carry-ons and computers out to write a few more notes home to family before we get on our ship this afternoon.

At 8:20 we met Valerie and our driver Sebastian. We drove through town and past the port where we could see our ship the Corinthian with four buses waiting for the previous expedition’s passengers to disembark.

After a short drive, we entered Tierra del Fuego National Park. The weather forecast called for rain during the morning but we had clear skies, 51 degrees, 70% humidity, and brisk winds. The weather gods were with us today.

We began our hike along the shore and Valerie pointed out the various types of seaweed, trees, flowers, and lichens. Both Seba and Valerie were experts in the geology and the flora and fauna of the area.

While we were on our hike through the park, we enjoyed the scenery and the high Andean peaks surrounding the forest. Valerie reminded us that the Andes run from north to south.

However, at the end of the continent, they make a sharp right turn and the direction changes from west to east. In fact, Ushuaia is the only city in Argentina on the other "south" side of the Andes.

We had another stop and opportunity to stretch our legs at Lapataia Bay. The road to the bay is the furthest south one can go on wheels - the end of the road in the Southern Hemisphere.

After the visit to the park, we went back to Ushuaia and had lunch at Los Nires, a traditional BBQ restaurant with lamb, beef, and sausage. All four of the groups met together for this last meal on land before boarding our ship.

We returned to the main street and spent a little while window-shopping. We ducked into an ice cream shop to get out of the wind, use the Internet, and have an ice cream before meeting for a group photo at the port.

At 3:50 it was time for our group to board the ship and check in with the front desk. We surrendered our passports, had our photos taken, and were guided to our cabin.

We spent the next 30 minutes unpacking and tucking our things into a multitude of small cabinets and drawers. Our room is very compact and well organized. We had a bowl of fresh fruit and a vase of flowers – what nice greetings from the staff of the ship and Grand Circle.

At 4:30 we had our first official meeting, a safety drill where we had to bring our life jackets to the main lounge and learn the safety features of the ship and how to board the lifeboats.

Back in our cabins, we were able to set up our computers and get an Internet connection before sailing. Vic started to work on photos and I started to write the journal, the day had been so busy, there was no time to even begin to collect our thoughts.

The Captain of the ship invited everyone for a Welcome Cocktail at 6:00 and then at 6:30 we had an opportunity to meet the Expedition Team and the staff of the Corinthian. From all initial indications we will be in great hands for the next nine days.

Dinner was served at 7:00 and because of our frequent trips with OAT, we were invited to sit at the Captain’s Table for the Welcome Dinner. A very calm and collected man from Croatia, the captain told us of his days in his seafaring family from Split, Croatia.

The seas calmed and the wind went down so that at 9:15 we could hear the engines rumbling and we were off! The first part of the journey is through the Beagle Channel and then during the night, we sail through the dreaded Drake Passage.

Again, as a reminder, we will post GarciaTrips as often as we can, but the Internet could be unreliable at the end of the world. Thanks for following our adventure – we are excited to begin our journey to the White Continent.

Accommodations: Corinthian - Meals: B, L, & D