Ushuaia "El Fin del Mundo" Last Stop Before Antarctica

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Ushuaia (pronounced oo-swy-ya...H is silent in Spanish) is the most southern city in the world. Met fellow shipmate "Blue," 27 year old Brit at the BA Jorge Newberry Airport and we went thru security together as we were on the same plane. We flew to Ushuaia from BA 2 days ago. Breathtaking vistas of the Andes Mountains. Had the local delicacy fresh King Crab and toured the old prison turned into boat/art museum. Yesterday, 5 of us fellow shipmates went on a thrilling hiking tour of the Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire) National Park with Emilio as our driver and guide. Just awesome beyond words. Got up and personal with the Andes.

I am at the Hotel Tierra Leyendas (Land of Legends) writing this blog in a rush to get some photos published. Will write more later. I am going to be picked up soon and taken to the ship. Boarding the Europa @ 5PM today. Yikes! It is here...let the adventure begin! Radio silence from me for 52 days. I am so emotional, tears, smiles, excitement, all at once and then repeat. I love you all! Just realize I couldn't have a better family and group of friends to come back to. I am extremely fortunate and do not take any of you for granted. Best wishes for all of you. Thank you for your interest in following me! Remember windy(dot)com to check on weather/wind down here (they do no allow giving out internet sites on this blog).

Bon voyage! Please light candles for me. I accept and need all prayers! Just remember this is what I want to do and I will be smiling all the way through the next couple of months.

"The more often you choose courage the more likely you will succeed." - Mel Robbins

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Photos

Flight From BA to Ushuaia
Aerolineas Argentinas flight was mostly over the Atlantic.

At BA Airport
Met British shipmate "Blue" at the Jorge Newberry Airport in BA before we both flew on same flight to Ushuaia.

Over Beagle Channel Coming In for Landing
National Geographic Explorer leaving Ushuaia for another Antarctica expedition. Met an interesting couple at my hotel that were on that ship on last expedition.

Europa
My home for the next two months!

Europa Front Mast Flag!
Going to find out why they are flying a "69" flag on Europa. Guessing it is because Ushuaia is situated on the -68 Longitude? We are at the -57th Latitude. (Update: 69 is the female Dutch Captain Janke's official captain number.) There is also the European Flag, with a circle of 12 gold stars on a blue background, for the Dutch ship's home region.

Ushuaia Prison Cell
Yikes!

Ushuaia Prison Museum
Eerie!

Ushuaia King Crab
Best ever fresh King Crab with salad and rice. Loved the Cape Horn beer, too.

Ushuaia's Dublin Pub Crew Bonding
1st night in Ushuaia was spent bonding with new shipmates. One of the very funny Brits called it the "Sinking Party." LOL. Found out we all have the same fears and jubilations.

Europa Voyage Crew Meets
Liz, Estee & Blue

Dublin Bar Ben
Shipmate Ben from England but living in Chicago the past 5 years a block from where I lived in Cheryl's condo on Montrose Ave. Small world!

Dublin Bar Ron
Dutch Ron (Rone)

Dublin Bar
Dutch Eric

Hiking National Park
Walt, Carolin, Blue, Ann & Estee in front of a very cold lake.

Hiking With Shipmates
Ann, Carolin, Estee, Blue and Guide Emilio (reminds me of Bro Dean slimmed down)

National Park
Here's where we are in the Tierra del Fuego area.

Comments

[Bone]

BONE VOYAGE!!!
We will light candles and pray! Have a wonderful trip - I know you will!!!!!! Love, Bone.

[Gail of the Seas]

A Candle for Walt's Safe Sail and Return
The candle is lit on my little sailing altar, sail safe dear friend, as you set off on your wonderful adventure. Love, Gail

[Gail of the Seas]

A Candle for Walt's Safe Sail and Return
The candle is lit on my little sailing altar, sail safe dear friend, as you set off on your wonderful adventure. Love, Gail

[Chard]

Godspeed
Bless you Rosaslovian!

[Michelle Lizenby]

Again, bon voyage!!!
Excellent blog!! Beautiful pictures!!! What an amazing adventure you are on!!! Wishing you the very best on your journey, and will keep you and your boat in my prayers. Travel safe and take care, Walt!!!

[Sue Sca]

Wowser!
If you came home right now I would say you had a great adventure! And that was just the beginning. You can't send e-mail, but can you receive it? I know two women from Brazil and they both spoke Portuguese. But know Spanish is common there? Have fun, stay safe, enjoy every minute - I'm sure you will. My thoughts and prayers go with you!!

[Nancy]

Always in my thoughts
You are so generous to think about the rest of us during such an exciting time. We are all amazed and envious of this true, great adventure. Savor every moment and thanks for sharing it. BTW: you look fit and literally shipshape. Love you, Walt.