January 20 - Glacier Alley and Ushuaia, Argentina



Woke this morning at the entrance of Glacier Alley on our way to Ushuaia.  As I remembered from two previous trips through this area, the glaciers are spectacular.   One we are passing right now is that gorgeous glacial blue, but half way down to the sea, develops into a huge and thunderous waterfall.   Am in Seabourn Square having my morning coffee and without a camera - darn!   Will hope that Sandi and John having breakfast upstairs will catch a photo.

Have purloined this photo from Eric's Facebook page!!   Thank you, EG!!

                                        

This afternoon at 1:30, Eric has arranged a Chilean wine and cheese tasting in my suite for perhaps eight persons - his clients who are aboard the Quest.   He has timed it near our approach to Ushuaia.   Have cleared all counters so that the kitchen staff can set up the spread.   Meanwhile, at 9:30, our Antarctic Group (White Group) has a briefing in the Grand Salon.   We will be addressed by the Expedition Lead on the do's and don'ts of our Antarctic landings, zodiac cruises and kayak paddles.


     Courtesy of Sandi.

I have been reviewing my photos from 2003 when Adolfo and I first saw this area.  The glaciers seem remarkably the same in size and beauty, though we are here this time one month earlier in the season.


Courtesy of John.  Such a dramatic sky!

Weather today is cold and very damp.   There is a heavy mist hovering at the mountain tops which sometimes works its way down to the water's edge.  The water, as a result of the melting glacial ice, has taken on the usual milky hue.

  

                               

Ushuaia is the capital city of Tierra del Fuego Province, Argentina.  It is commonly regarded as the southernmost city in the world  (which would knock out yesterday's information!!).  The city is located in a wide bay on the southern coast of Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego, bounded on the north by the Martial mountain range and on the south by the Beagle Channel.   Ushuaia has a sub polar oceanic climate.  On average, the city experiences 200 days of light rain or snow each year, with many cloudy and foggy days.  Local birds, penguins, seals and orcas abound in the region.

 We are berthed at the foot of the town that is nestled in gigantic snow-tipped mountains.  Actually, the mountains surround this beautiful bay.   While I marvel at the spectacular scenery all around us, the staff are setting up the goodies for today's wine tasting.   In all, we are tasting nine wines - guess I'll opt for a nap after the party, rather than go in to Ushuaia as I have been here twice previously.

Just in time for the tasting, the sun has come out and it is actually warm out on my private deck.  Planning could not have been more perfect, but then. . . Eric does "know a guy"!!
  • A beautiful cheese platter with fruit and assorted toppings - and once again, West Marin cheeses highlight the platter!  
  • Cheese fondue with three different kinds of bread to dip. 
  • A spicy fresh crab salad - so tasty with a bit of heat and cilantro.
  • Crab Newburg, served in individual crab leg half-shells.
  • Goat cheese soufflé's topped with a sweet garlic froth.
  

  


Tonight we dined at the TK Grill along with Eric, who managed to change our reservation from 8:30 to 7:45 - much better.   Starters included crab cake, Caesar salad, and artichoke dip.John had the tasty Veal Chop, Eric and I had the Dover Meuniere and Sandi had the iconic TK Roast Chicken.   Everything was really good and we paired it with a Peter Michael "L' Apres-Midi" Sauvignon Blanc from Napa.   This time we shared a sundae. Just a couple of spoons full of this delicious dessert is more than adequate.  Eric had the Strawberry Vacherin.

 

  

                                

Seems like all we did today was drink wine - am feeling totally pickled!!!

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