Elizabeth_S

Just as I'm starting to research boats! And the Explorer was looking good

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/0...ip_cda_sinking

mistik321

Hi Liz:
We are here now in Punta Arenas waiting for approval to fly to Antarctica on the 8-seater plane. Bad weather conditions in Base Frei (frozen runway and gusting winds) are holding up our flight to our `"last continent" on the list... so we are on holding pattern here in PA.
Hopefully we have better news tomorrow.

The cruise ship Explora hitting the iceberg is big news here in PA.

Today, the military was finally able to send a C130 Hercules (big enough plane to brave the rough Antarctic conditions) to evacuate part of the 153 survivors back to the mainland. The buzz is that some of them have checked in here at our hotel; gotta find them to get first person reports!

We heard they were bobbing in Antarctic waters for 6 hrs (the media reported 4 hrs!), until rescue by other ships. Then they were dropped off (very challenging in itself) to Base Frei, the base station we are supposed to stay at should we be allowed to fly into Antarctica.

Here in PA, we have dined at La Luna several times now, and yes, the king crab chupe IS delicious!

If we are not allowed to fly into Antarctica, our Plan B is to visit Puerto Montt/Puerto Varas instead.
Then we will take that Cessna flight over Osorno like you and Richard did!

The bad news is we donīt fly to Antarctica after coming all the way here. The good news is that the charter company will 100% refund our payment
Oh well, better weather next time...

Oh, the stay at Explora Lodge Patagonia/Torres del Paine was simply fabulous! I'll post a real trip report when we return home.

Elizabeth_S

Sorry to hear your plans might have to change. If you do go to Puerto Montt be sure to go to Angelmo - and take an appetite - the small restaurants serve fantastic food.

Look forward to hearing all about it upon your return.

mistik321

Elizabeth,

In Puerto Montt, who would we contact for the Cessna flight over Osorno volcano? Our option here is Sur Marino, but they only take larger groups.

Thanks, Mistik

Elizabeth_S

We did the flight over the Villarica volcano so not convenient for you - we did meet a great guide in Puerto Montt who was a journalist - speaks excellent English. I'm sure she could help

Paulina Acuna Meier

[email protected]

Bring back some chupe for us!

Elizabeth_S

mistik321 - were you able to go to Antarctica?