Deep South Day 3

[fbhjr]

We woke up at the hotel in Santiago to find they had changed all of our bus times. I was told I didn’t have to print the latest Covid test as they had done it for me and we were fine.
So, we had a nice breakfast outdoors by the garden.


It’s not surprising that when we arrived in Santiago the temperature went down 10 degrees.

What this bodes for Antarctica is not clear…

We were on bus 7 of 8, so there was a fair bit of waiting. We did chat with a few of the other folks going on the trip.


Then, onto the bus and across Santiago.



We went to the private area of the airport. That means driving in a circle around the entire place until you get to the control tower.


Then, out to plane #5 of this trip parked by the tower.


We were close to the last in line. This means we were near the front of the plane. That’s good.


No first class on this plane. Just almost every seat taken of cruise people. A few people did drop out, so there were empty seats, but not many.


The plane then needed to make its way down what seemed like a driveway to the runway. And, cars were parked along it, so when I say driveway, I mean it.


Then, off the ground and up over the Andes mountains.


Which were covered by clouds.


As we crossed the center the clouds gave up and we did get some very nice views of mountains, glaciers, icebergs in lakes and such.



But, I was very happy when the Straights of Magellan came into view.


I did not shout “We’re here! We’re here!”
But, it was a near thing. And, mostly because I was tired.


I wish I got a better photo of this building on this island as it looked really cool.


Then, we landed and taxied over to an area next to the terminal. Folks came out and looked at the plane and said “You’re 3 meters off, you’ve got to move it.”


So, they moved the plane 3 meters back some.
It was very hard to see the difference.


Then, we sat there a while longer until one of the folks who works there climbed up on the wing and started tapping on the window.
(We were too far up front to get a photo, but it was very Twilight Zone like as someone started shouting “There’s a man on the wing trying to get in!”

Finally they opened the door and demanded to talk to someone from the cruise company. The rep came forward and there was a big discussion.


After a talk, we were allowed to get off the plane, three rows at a time.


We marched through the terminal and got onto our assigned busses.


As with the bus in Santiago, this one had nice little hammers to use to break the glass and escape if needed. My wife appreciates these little touches.


We drove about 1/2 hour along the straights to town,


Photos from the bus were not as good as hoped.


Then, onto the dock where we could see our ship. (The white one on the right side of the pier.)


We just had to go through another health screening first.


But, it was quick and we were soon waiting to go the length of the pier and get on the ship.


The van that last small distance took almost as long as the buss from the airport as there were lots of trucks and loading equipment using the same pier.


The cruise person finally got a truck moved and we were able to get to the loading area.


Up the gangplank we went.


The room is nice, has a little balcony and a nice view.




But, the eye stalks have followed us again…


I brought the map to the universe from the movie “Time Bandits” with me.


But, before I could find any time holes, we had to go do the “Muster Drill” up on the pool deck.
It was quite short and was someone showing how to put on the life jacket.


Due to “logistic issues” the ship did not leave on time. So, we were still docked when we had our dinner.
It was still a long way from home, so not an issue.



I brought the small model of my robot freezers as well as one of my jobs is to come up with ways to avoid ice in them. This trip should find out about ice.


Before dinner there was an introduction to the department heads on ship:


And, the expedition crew that does the actual shore things in Antartica.


There was a lot of talk about weather in the Drake Passage. I’m told that southbound it looks good for the Drake.

The key part of that was “for the Drake”.

But, then dinner at the Italian place on board.


The waiter was shocked when my wife and I didn’t want wine with dinner. Even with his mask on I could see his jaw drop.
But, the food was very good, the view was nice and we were both very happy to be there, so it was good.


We are on Zodiac group 10 for going ashore. Don’t know if that’s good or bad.


We did check out the parkas they provide. My wife’s fits, but the arms are a bit long.


We waited on the balcony to watch the setting off.


We talked about the town and wondered about the helicopter.


But, mostly watched the sunset. It was amazing.


There were times that the air glowed and I could see very clearly why this place was called Tierra Del Fuego.
But, it doesn’t photograph well.





About 9:30 a tug came long, went along us from front to back, then back to front, and then went up to the front of the ship on the other side.


There were come clouds that looked like a big eye watching us. Hopefully that’s a good sign, right?


About 10:15 we gave up waiting and went to bed.
I checked at 10:30 and we were going.

Comments

[threemeninaboat]

I love this so much!

[brickhousewench]

one of the folks who works there climbed up on the wing and started tapping on the window.
(We were too far up front to get a photo, but it was very Twilight Zone like as someone started shouting “There’s a man on the wing trying to get in!”

How absolutely weird! And yes, very Twilight Zone.

The room is nice, has a little balcony and a nice view.

Your room looks lovely!

But, the eye stalks have followed us again…

LOL, they’re everywhere!

We did check out the parkas they provide. My wife’s fits, but the arms are a bit long.

At least her hands will be warm!

Am very much enjoying our vicarious view of your trip. <3