Welcome to Beatrice and Rhonda's Antarctica adventure. We will try to blog and put up photos each day, when we can. If you are interested you can follow along, if you aren't you can go away. We hope you enjoy the trip.
15th March, 2026
Woke early because we had an 8.00 explorer cruise. It takes half and hour to get into our cold gear. Went our into the zodiac. It was very very cold with a bit of a wind and a bit damp. Saw some whales and a leopard seal on an ice berg. It was a very good cruise then back for coffee. All the dinning rooms were closed and it was too early for coffee in the bar as it wasn't open. Oh well we just sit and watch the world go by till 10.00. That is the only problem, there is nowhere to get a meal outside set times. So more photos.
14th March,2026
We woke up today to find that all morning excursions were cancelled. After breakfast we went for a wander around the ship. I tried to buy a sloppy joe and the shop because I forgot mine but as this is the last trip for the season they are getting rid of stock and only had small sizes. Why do shops not stock enough big sizes. Decided to go for a wander around the deck but didn't put our jackets on. We walked out a door on one side at the back of the ship and straight in the door on the other side. It was freezing with a wind chill of way below. Had a good look around the science center which was very interesting then went to lunch which was very yummy. Spent the afternoon reading and snoozing.
13th March, 2026
Awake early today and looked out the window to these amazing scenes. Great brekky, eggs benedict. Our excursion was set for 10.30 so we just milled around and did some more investigating around the ship. Both Mum and I managed to get into the Zodiac without falling. Getting out was another mater. You had to sit on the edge and swing your let out over the side. I had so many layers of cloths on I couldn't get my leg over, did I feel like a wally. There was a lovely little gentoo penguin to welcome us ashore. Then just up the beach there was a crab eater seal having a lovely nap. Didn't give a hoot about us. I think he liked the attention. Back to the room after then a three course lunch, so after that we had to have a snooze before we went out again in the Zodiac for an exploration cruise. This time we saw a pod of whales feeding not far away so we got a close as aloud and watched for ages. So very lucky for the first day. The place is amazing. That is too soft a word for it but it is indescribable. Hope you like to photos.
WE ARE HERE. The view when we woke up this morning. Mum just out of bed.
A good trip across the Drake. No shake, just a light rocking like in a cradle.
10th March, 2026.
Early rise, not necessary shine, and off to the airport. Early flight to Ushiua where a bus took us to a hotel up in the Andes for lunch. I was expecting more snow on the mountains. Buffet lunch was ok, nothing to rave over then we had the afternoon free before we could board the ship at 17.00. We went for a walk around the hotel to a lookout area then found a lounge in a quiet area and had a sleep. Got the bus to the ship. Boarding was easy. Unpacked then had an emergency drill. We went to the buffet for dinner then back to room and bed. By now was nine and we were jet lagged and ready for a good sleep.
9th March, 2026
Sydney to Buenos Aires. Today went on forever. Got the shuttle to the airport, checked in, through customs and immigration easily. Long wait for security but that was quicker than it used to be. Didn't have to get everything out of bags anymore. Just put them through the scanner. Mum got pulled up for her knee as usual and then got pulled aside for a explosives swipe. The flight to Santiago was uneventful. The gate was at the very end of the terminal as usual. Arrived at Santiago about 1hour late. The flight steward told us that we had to claim our luggage and recheck it. So, we walked all the way from the last gate, went through immigration and customs, got to baggage carrousel and discovered that we didn't need to do that. We think she must have thought that we were domestic transfers. So, it was walk up to the other end of the terminal back through immigration, security etc., which took ages. Then we had to walk another kilometer at least to the last gate. We asked at the assistance counter if we could get transport and they said no. So it was a stager down to the gate where the plane was loaded and waiting for us. Along the way we had people ask if we were us then informed the gate of our progress. By the time we got on the plane we were both very hot, sweaty and exhausted. Got off the plane at Buenos Aires, short flight of 2hrs over the Andes, another long walk then out to meet our hired car. No one there. Fianlly got to the hotel. It is very nice. By now we feel grotty and very tired. We had to check into our cruise to get our flight information for the next day then to bed. We had to be up at 4.00 for 4.30 breakfast. 5.15 bus to the airport and on our way again and it's still 9th March. I think we walked about 10km through different airports.
8th March, 2026
Well, we are finally on our way. Booked the shuttle bus to Ballina Airport. It was on time and Brett the driver was very helpful and cheerful. Had time to check in, have a quick coffee then we were on the plane. When I tried to check in at the kiosk at the airport I couldn't work out why it wouldn't work for me, then when we got in the queue I realised that I tried to book in with Mum's ticket and my name. Good start. The flight down was very good and quick. Just had time for a drink of water then we were here. Raining in Sydney. Staying at the Crown Airport. Very nice with good shuttle service from the airport once we found where to get it.
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