(By Jen)
Crossing the Drake passage
As Dennis mentioned yesterday, the weather for our crossing of the Drake Passage was predicted to be quite rough. We actually left the South Shetland Islands early in the afternoon to avoid the incoming bad weather. Overnight it was bumpy, but we survived. The ship has good stabilisers.
Thank you John Ratsey for the graphic.
While the Drake Passage is the shortest route from Antartica to the rest of the world, Francis Drake actually opted for the less dangerous, but much longer, Straight of Magellan. Nevertheless this part of the ocean was named after the well known circumnavigator, when one of his ships drifted far south after passing through the Straight of Magellan in 1578. Having realised there might be a connection between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, Drake and his crew inadvertantly discovered what would become known as Drake Passage.
Today was a day at sea, so after breakfast we went to the Club Lounge to try and upload some more photographs into the blog. We weren’t having much success. Australian couple, John and Kim, came over and we spent most of the morning chatting.
Passengers on board are an interesting mix of nationalities. The Americans, Australians and Europeans are mainly older, retired couples. The Asians. meanwhile, are young, wealthy couples. Most with their own businesses.
S H Vega
We have spoken to a number of people who are regular cruisers. They are all very complimentary regarding S H Vega. All saying it is the best in terms of food, service and expedition team expertise. We have certainly been very impressed. Without knowing a thing about the cruising industry, we seem to have made a very good decision in picking this ship.
We get to visit the Bridge
In the afternoon Alyona gave an amusing lecture on crime in Antarctica, followed by a group visit to the Bridge.A technological marvel. It even had a tiny traditional steering wheel.
At 18.00 we had a farewell cocktail party with the captain and crew, before having a briefing from Mariam, recapping on the day and advising on what we are likely to see and experience going through the Beagle Channel. Next, Jo, the Deputy Expedition Leader, gave us instructions and information regarding the disembarkation procedure.
The majority of passengers are booked on the charter flight taking them back to Buenos Airies, where they will make their international connections. We are 2 of 20 passengers who are making our own arrangements. We have to settle our bill tomorrow evening, before we can get our passports back! S H Vega is due to arrive in Ushuaia tomorrow evening, but we will stay on board and disembark after breakfast on 28th.
Dining companions.
At dinner we sat with another very interesting couple, Carmen and David Durack. They were both born in Australia, but are now American Citizens. David is a doctor and pilot. They have lived and worked in the UK, are very well travelled and have cruised with Swan Hellenic previously. It was only when we returned to our cabin that the name Durack and David’s Australian upbringing began ringing bells. We had both read a book, ‘Kings in Grass Castles’, which is about the Durack family history in Western Australia and the homestead where David grew up. The Durack homestead had to be relocated during the construction of the Ord River irrigation project. The project created Australia’s largest artificial lake, Lake Argyle. The book is written by his aunt, Mary. Dennis bought the book when visiting the homestead several years ago.
The Durack’s, David & Carmen
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