January 21 - Drake's Passage

The Drake Passage connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans between Cape Horn (the southernmost point of South America) and the South Shetland Islands situated about 100 miles north of the Antarctic Peninsula.  The Drake Passage defines the zone of limit transition separating the cool, humid, sub polar conditions of Tierra del Fuego and the frigid, Polar Regions of Antarctica.  Though bearing the name of the famous English seaman and global circumnavigator, Sir Francis Drake, the passage was first traversed in 1616 by a Flemish expedition led by Willem Schouten.  Drake Passage played an important part in the trade of the 19th and early 20th centuries before the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914.  The stormy seas and the icy conditions made the rounding of Cape Horn through the Drake Passage a rigorous test for ships and crews alike, especially for the sailing vessels of the day.  In this area the climate changes from cool, humid, and sub polar to the frozen conditions of Antarctica.   Drake Passage is also the shortest route from Antarctica to the rest of the world.  The only islands in the passage are the Diego Ramirez Islands, about 60 kilometers south of Cape Horn.  The passage is also particularly good for seeing whales, dolphins, seabirds and penguins.

Fresh flowers in the suite when I came in last night.

     

Today we awakened to rolling seas - walking with grace is a bit of a challenge - and sunshine which makes the sky and ocean very blue - perfect!!  There are lots of clouds on the horizon - hope they stay there.  About the walking, have decided to have some snappy music in my head and just pretend that I'm dancing!

Throughout the day there are scheduled preparations for our arrival tomorrow in Antarctica which include, Bio Security for all clothing to be worn on Antarctica that has been previously worn elsewhere.  The seams and pockets are examined for any bit of dirt, seeds, etc., so as to minimize the impact on our landing on the magical continent.   Then there will be a boot fitting and storage in lockers that are numbered to coincide with our suite numbers, and just before dinner (yet another meal!) at 6:30 there is a final recap and briefing with the Expedition Team.

Throughout the day there are also conversations/lectures with members of the Expedition Team with regard to the different kinds of penguins - Adelie, Chinstrap and Gentoo.   And, mustn't miss the talk about "Pinnepeds of the Antarctic and Sub Antarctic Oceans".   Also, "Life in the Ocean - Everything But Fish"!!

It's a very full day.   Have to squeeze in an hour for my fifth acupuncture session at 2:00, and of course, the mandatory nap, for which I'm already yearning!

Have been back and forth to be fitted for boots, get clothing checked out, then had to go back for something else, and locked myself out of the suite - had to get a new key.   After a final briefing, we had dinner in The Restaurant, and on our way out it was announced that we had our first icebergs.   These were more like an iceberg continent - so very large, but the excitement was mounting because we knew we were close to our destination.

Went to the Casino for a little while and lost money so fast that it was depressing.   Just as I was ready to go to the suite, got a straight flush which paid quite well, then a flush, then another straight, and before I knew it, was only down $5 for the night.   Time to retire, and I did!