Ushuaia -Fri. Nov.23

After depositing our luggage in the front hall for transportation to the ship and eating a yummy buffet breakfast, we set off for a tour of the National Park with "Rumbo Sur" (the name of the company). The day was sunny (very unusual in Ushuaia) and just below freezing. Billy will be glad to know we passed a golf course. Our tour guide, Sergio was well informed and willingly answered all our questions. Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire) is so named because of the fiery red tree colours in the fall. We saw a black-crested eagle and a condor. Illness and alcohol annihilated the original Indian tribe that once inhabited Tierra del Fuego. Only one pure tribe member remains; an 80 year old woman. For the sale of their skins, beavers from Canada were introduced to the area. However, because it is not as cold in Ushuaia as in the north of Canada, the pelts were of poor quality and now instead of the 50 that were originally introduced there are over 100,000, as they have no natural predators. Similarly with rabbits. Both species are taking over the land and causing destruction. Lunch was a traditional Argentine barbecue (asado). Lots and lots of lamb and chicken on a HOT grill at our table. The afternoon was spent in downtown Ushuaia. At 4:00pm we embarked the "Akademik Shokalskiy" Yeah! We set sail through the Beagle Channel on our way to the Antarctic Peninsula at 5:00pm. Much talk of and concern for the Explorer and its passengers. Life boat drill had a whole new meaning. Exploration of the ship was fascinating, especially the Bridge. As the ship's crew is Russian, I was unable to understand what was being discussed about our journey and progress, but I was intrigued by the goings on of the crew. After a cocktail party with Captain Igor Kiselev, we were invited to the dining room for a Welcome Dinner. Every lunch and dinner consisted of a meat, fish or vegetarian choice. They were delicious and beautiful presented. Bedtime and preparation for the Drake Passage (No one told us about the Drake until it was too late).