The long trek home has ended for most of the group and memories of all that has been experienced still occupy our thoughts as suitcases are unpacked.
Elephant Seals
Only days ago our group of 14 were with 185 other guests from countries around the globe to experience the wonders of the Antarctic on the MS Fram. In the last couple of days before returning across the Drake Passage we were treated to a visit at Hannah Point where we observed elephant seals and four different types of penguins which included the odd “macaroni” penguin caring for its chicks in the centre of a rookery of hundreds of “chinstrap” penguins.
The return crossing of the Drake was uneventful with the heaviest gale of category 9 on the Beaufort scale and no one complained of seasickness. Upon arrival in Ushuaia, Argentina, the majority of the group took a tour of the National Park just 20 kms. out of town. As the clouds and light rain dissipated and the sun came out, a beautiful rainbow formed over Cami Lake. Soon we were back on the charter flight to Buenos Aires for a 24-hour period before heading home.
Touring the River Plate delta canals
On Saturday morning our local tour guide picked us up at the hotel and we spent the morning in a long narrow tour boat exploring the River Plate delta canals where many Argentineans have raised their families in homes raised well above the current water line, protected against seasonal floods caused by windswept ocean waters upstream.
It soon came time to say our goodbyes at the Buenos Aires Airport as we all set out for our home destinations. What an amazing experience for everyone!
~ Terry Petkau
