In Buenos Aires there was a big turnover of passengers. About 87 passengers remained on board for the next 21 day segment. We said goodbye to the friends we made on the first segment and started meeting new passengers that joined us for the upcoming expedition.
The other major change that occurred is that our trip changed from being a cruise to being an expedition -- very exciting!!!!! An expedition team of scientists, naturalists, historians and other experts came on board. The team totals 21. We were introduced to the expedition team at an exciting gathering in the Grand Salon. Each one spoke briefly to introduce themselves and expressed their excitement to be going to the Falkland Islands, Antarctica and Patagonia with us. Each of them invited us to approach them at any time around the ship to ask questions or discuss their fields of expertise. Also, each of them would be presenting lectures along the way to discuss the points of interest in the environment we were about to visit -- geology, botany, wildlife, oceanography, climate, history, etc. We knew we were in for a total immersion enhanced by these enthusiastic experts. They are not just academicians, these folks are living the science and are very adventurous.
Interestingly, there were 2 scientists on board that we will be dropping off at an island in Antarctica where there is a remote research station (hut, actually), where they will stay for 3 weeks tagging birds for a study of their migration habits. They were to be delivered to the island by Zodiac from our ship and dropped off with their tent, supplies and equipment. They will be picked up by the ship on its return visit to Antarctica in 3 weeks. What an incredible experience talking with them about their work!!!!
Some changes have been made to the ship to prepare for the next segment of our trip. At the back of Deck 5 there is an outside seating and lounging area with a small swimming pool. That area has been partitioned off to be used for storage of supplies and staging our expeditions to shore. Lockers have been installed to hold our waterproof boots. Eight Zodiacs have been loaded onto the ship along with a number of sea kayaks. Parkas, beanies and backpacks have been delivered to our suites. We are all so excited.
We are definitely on an expedition headed for adventure in a cold, harsh climate.
Clearly, we are not in Florida anymore.
The other major change that occurred is that our trip changed from being a cruise to being an expedition -- very exciting!!!!! An expedition team of scientists, naturalists, historians and other experts came on board. The team totals 21. We were introduced to the expedition team at an exciting gathering in the Grand Salon. Each one spoke briefly to introduce themselves and expressed their excitement to be going to the Falkland Islands, Antarctica and Patagonia with us. Each of them invited us to approach them at any time around the ship to ask questions or discuss their fields of expertise. Also, each of them would be presenting lectures along the way to discuss the points of interest in the environment we were about to visit -- geology, botany, wildlife, oceanography, climate, history, etc. We knew we were in for a total immersion enhanced by these enthusiastic experts. They are not just academicians, these folks are living the science and are very adventurous.
Interestingly, there were 2 scientists on board that we will be dropping off at an island in Antarctica where there is a remote research station (hut, actually), where they will stay for 3 weeks tagging birds for a study of their migration habits. They were to be delivered to the island by Zodiac from our ship and dropped off with their tent, supplies and equipment. They will be picked up by the ship on its return visit to Antarctica in 3 weeks. What an incredible experience talking with them about their work!!!!
Some changes have been made to the ship to prepare for the next segment of our trip. At the back of Deck 5 there is an outside seating and lounging area with a small swimming pool. That area has been partitioned off to be used for storage of supplies and staging our expeditions to shore. Lockers have been installed to hold our waterproof boots. Eight Zodiacs have been loaded onto the ship along with a number of sea kayaks. Parkas, beanies and backpacks have been delivered to our suites. We are all so excited.
We are definitely on an expedition headed for adventure in a cold, harsh climate.
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| Our expedition goes from Buenos Aires (upper left on map), then south and east over to Falkland Islands, then south and east to the Antarctic Peninsula (upper left side of Antarctica) in the area of the Shetland Islands |
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| Parkas, beanies and backpacks delivered to our suite |
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| Serious cold weather gear |
Clearly, we are not in Florida anymore.
Thanks for the map!
ReplyDeleteThis looks so exciting.
We are shivering just looking at the pictures from the expedition blog!
ReplyDeleteWe are shivering just looking at the pictures from the expedition blog!
ReplyDelete