A FAREWELL FILLED WITH CHEERS

With our final zodiac cruise completed we are gathered on the bow of the Ioffe for a photo op along with an appropriate send off from one of the coldest and of course coolest places on the planet.

Champagne is poured and toasts are made as we celebrate a successful expedition. It is a heart warming experience as I am reminded of the pleasant and fun international group of passengers and crew on board the Akademik Ioffe.

Cheers to Brazil, Bolivia, England, India, Australia, Holland, The United States, Taiwan and a host of other countries well represented on The Blue Continent.

Video:
http://youtu.be/zE3s9TrXfeg

Nice to see all those happy faces, going home now with memories they'll have forever. Thanks again for including us in the farewell. Will be sorry to see this trip report end!

BACK ACROSS THE DRAKE

Ironically, the worst weather we encounter on our expedition happens as we set sail back to Ushuaia, Argentina.

I adventure just outside my room to a passage way at the forward part of the ship for a small taste of true Antarctic ocean weather. The wind is so fierce from the right to left side of the passage way that it forces me to remain in the protected shelter of an inside hall.

Occasionally, a huge spray of ocean water blasts its way from the starboard to port side of the ship. The temperature is now so cold that this causes sheets of ice to form on the deck of the Ioffe.

Continuing my somewhat research exposure to the weather, I make my way from the inside to the exterior stern. As the Ioffe rolls and pitches on the high seas I am on it's starboard side when I get an exhilarating surprise.

A huge wave breaks over the bow and I get drenched!


Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfQ2o6yE9cM

Giovanna,

Thanks for your kind words. It has been rewarding sharing my trip with you and others.

This was a nice group to travel with and I believe it added well to my Antarctica experience :)

That wind sounds vicious, but it didn't look all that rough.

BTW, I just saw your Bolivian Death Road video -- WOW!

SPT,

You are right it wasn't all that rough when that video was shot but stay tuned ...

IS THE GREAT AUK STILL EXTINCT?


With our sailing to Ushuaia well on the way, a few of us gather in the Ioffe bar for an evening of staff inspired entertainment. The fun begins with a reading of questions asked by former passengers.

Although we have a few laughs at their expense, I have a feeling given the opportunity a few of us might come up with some gems of our own.

I sense this by the pause in laughter and the deep thought given when we ponder one question that was asked about leaving the ship in Ushuaia.

"Should I put out my luggage before or after I go to sleep?”

Video:
http://youtu.be/fnnl3puGGC4

GUESSING HEAD GAMES

How difficult can this be? I am black and white and very popular. Being in Antarctica the first thing that comes to mind is a penguin but I am wrong. What else can be black and white, real or imagined and very popular. Michael Jackson? Wrong, again!

How do I find myself in this guessing predicament? Well it started with a beer and then volunteering to have a piece of paper taped to my forehead. Along with a few others, I am playing a head guessing game put together by members of the expedition staff. Another part of tonight’s entertainment.

I am not feeling to bad being unable to guess my the person or thing as I watch Carlton, a British passenger struggle with his clues. “A British politician in the last 50 years that everybody would know”. Don't say the answer if you know it, he is still trying to guess it.

After about fifteen or so, yes or no answers, I finally smelled a rat, well more like a mouse and got a clue who was stuck on the tip of my forehead. Ironically, I should not have thrown stones at Carlton. Can you guess?

Video:
http://youtu.be/ubgVAa1ghGs

Sounds like a fun game - those with sweaty foreheads or bangs need not apply. So...who are you?

Here is my guess: You are Mickey Mouse and your British friend is John Profumo.

LeslieS,

No worries, there was a lot of tape :)

Eschew,

You were half right :)

Carlton never asked if the person was male or female. It was the "BIG CLUE"

Do you remember, "The Iron Lady"? It was Prime Minister Magaret Thatcher.

I thought Maggie would be the obviuos answer. I am surprised your friend didn't got it. I picked John as he is more infomus than famous, and more obsure. He was the headliner on that big sex scandal.

Eschew,

He went down the "Male" track .... And never got on the right train :(

After Churchill, Thatcher would have been my next guess.

IT's 1AM

While most if not all of the Ioffe passengers have retired for the evening, I am wide awake and head for the bridge. The seas and weather conditions are not conducive for an outside stroll so I make my way there through the inside halls and stairwells.

At this time of the night there is only a sole occupant on the bridge and I am in for a treat.

Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ev_6pka4MP4

NIGHT AT THE BRIDGE

Although it is late at night, I feel my company is immediately welcomed on the bridge of the Ioffe. As the ship steadily maneuvers the Drake Passage to Ushuaia, the First Mate and I engage in an educational and light hearted conversation.

The wind is blowing about 40-50 miles an hour with the seas ranging from nine to twelve feet high. We both have a laugh that these are probably not the best conditions for some of the passengers.

It is exciting to watch as a huge wave crest over the bow of the Ioffe. I am sure this is just one of many that we will encounter tonight.

As the frigid sea water escapes overboard, it is hard to imagine it is the same deck we stood on just a few hours ago.

Video:
http://youtu.be/ovYKnrmm-NI

When do you sleep?!?

Great videos... I'm amazed by the quality in the low light.

And your comment about "sickening some passengers" -- that was exactly how I felt in seas like that: sick!

<<Great videos... I'm amazed by the quality in the low light.>>

Agreed! Loved the film noir you added toward the end of your trip. >)

SPT,

Usually slept through breakfast :)

Actually, it was quite bright for 1am in the morning, "White Night" and the Flip camera does a nice job.

$79.00 well spent.

Giovanna,

Still a few more videos to come before it's a wrap :)