Sailing away from Ushuaia, Argentina

Ushuaia is a very special city.  The city is clean, the people are friendly, and the scenery is beautiful.  The weather was perfect today; it was sunny and in the 50s which is warm for a summer day.  We set sail at about 8pm.  There’s still about two hours of sunlight remaining in the day, and it was perfect to take a few photos during our sail away.  A Silver Seas ship, docked beside us, was also preparing for their departure.

We will be sailing for six days.  The “Antarctic Experience” doesn’t officially begin until Wednesday, January 31, but we’ll have lectures from the Antarctic Expedition Team beginning tomorrow morning.  The sailing off the coast of Antarctica will be January 31 to February 3 (4 days).  The ship will arrive in the Falkland Islands next Monday (February 5).  Let’s hope we have smooth seas as the ship sails further south.

In Punta Arenas and Ushuaia I was told that one could survive in the water for only 5 minutes.  It's that cold.

The city started as a penal colony, and you'll see folks wearing striped prisoner outfits in the town.

Our guide today told us the name of this mountain.  I believe he said it was "Olivia" and I'll have to research it later.

We pulling away.  The Silver Seas ship is also preparing to leave, too.  I wonder if they're going to Antarctica.

Moving away into the channel.

It was 8pm when I took this.  There are a couple more hours of sunlight today.  Note the albatross capture the wind of the ship.

The ship is back in the channel and sailing south to Antarctica.