| Tierra del Fuego |
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| Ushuaia, 11 february 2005 Three days ago we arrived in Ushuaia 'el fin del mundo' like they call it over here. We had window-seats and some magnificent views just before and while landing. The pilot made an extra round just to let the passengers enjoy the lovely scenery. It was fantastic! We found a room quite easily; I thought we would have difficulties because it's high season over here and the plane was really crowded. We had some sleep to catch up and after checking the prices for a trip to Antarctica, we decided to take a well-earned nap and already dreamed about 'the penguins and icebergs' ;-) The next day we both felt in better shape and decided to go for a walk to Glaciar Martial (1180m above sea level). The glaciar was pretty impressive but the views of Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel were even more rewarding. I really felt alive and enjoyed every bit of it! But as Ushuaia can have '4 seasons in one day', the weather changed and it started to rain as we climbed down but that couldn't change our mood. We felt happy! And we even felt happier by the idea that a trip to Antarctica could become a reality! Before taking a decision we first walked down to the port to hear if it would be possible to pass the Drake Passage (very difficult part because there is always a lot of wind) up to Antarctica by sailing boat. Joris is really excited about the idea but I really don't feel the need to throw up for a whole week on a sailing boat (because you need that much time to get through it with a small boat). Although we have been told that even with the large expedition vessels the passage of the Drake is hard work! But there is a physician on board that gives everybody drugs to avoid that one gets sick. The stuff is quite heavy and works well so I don't have to worry about that anymore (at least that's what I hope!) In the port of Ushuaia we met a nice French couple that lived on their sailing boat for about 20 years and already live in Ushuaia for 3 years. They sail through the different channels of Tierra del Fuego and Patagonia and enjoy the nature and numberous glaciers. The woman even bakes her own bread on the ship. About 20 years ago they quit their jobs and bought a boat instead of a house and lived on it ever since. Talking of a challenge! If we wanted we could join them to Puerto Natales for a sailing trip of more or less 4 weeks. That would also be amazing to do but as we 'only' have 6 months and did not win the lottery before we left, we had to make a choice. We chose to see icebergs, penguins and whales, so...YES, today we booked our trip to Antarctica! We will leave civilization for 10 days on the first of March and will be back on the eleventh!!!!!!!! In the meanwhile we did another daytrek in the National Park of Tierra del Fuego and the next 2 days we will be driving aroud on Tierra del Fuego (we rented a car for 2 days). Joris also bought some fishing gear and was promised he will catch big throuts! I'm really curious and hope we will have a great fish 'parilla' (Argentinian grill)! I will let you know in a couple of days! Hasta luego, Joris and Domi |