Ushuaia to Falklands

Saturday, January 06, 2024
Stanley, East Falkland, Falkland Islands
Jan. 3. Ushuaia, Argentina. 58,  partly cloudy.
Here’s something weird, it’s the exact same temperature here at the bottom of the world, as it is in Savannah today! Low 45, high 54! Because we took the inland route to Cape Horn, we actually sailed past Ushuaia, went east then south to Cape Horn, only to turn around and go back to  Ushuaia. Our sail to the cape was quite calm and the sun was shining when we got there at 5:30pm. One family with a cat live on the southern most island, presumably at the light house. The guy, with his cat came out to wave at our ship, but we were pretty far away, so I didn’t see him. I guess we continue to be lucky with both the seas and the weather. This is the third time Lissy and Harty have been here and the first time their ship was able to get to Cape Horn. ( They are also 0-2 with the Falklands, so we hope the luck continues)! They had a date with the German speaking GM for dinner yesterday, so we went to the Italian restaurant and got “our table” right in front of the open kitchen! Wonderful dinner, but we skipped the show and watched the rerun of the lecture on the Phantom that was very good. Our tour today was to the End of the Earth, “Terra Del Fuego” National Park. About 1 mile out of town (population ~75,000 today; 45,000 in 2002) we ran out of paved roads and were on gravel for the maybe 20 mile drive to the park.  The scenery was magnificent. We had 4 scenic stops, each for 15-30 minutes,  with a less than 10min walk to the overviews. We were really in wilderness, except for the other several tour busses. We did see a sea lion in one of the many rivers/lakes, but that was the only wildlife we saw. Again, the sun was shining, a rarity  in this part of the world. Back at the ship, we were warm enough for a Margarita with lunch! Outside temperature update - it was sunny and actually got up to 65.  Unfortunately when we got back to our cabin, it wasn’t 65, but one call to housekeeping and the problem was fixed immediately. Patagonia  might just be my number 1 most beautiful part of the world! Interesting fact, Darwin hated Patagonia!  We had cocktails and dinner as usual, then went to the Production Cast Show, which was better than the last and not as good as the first. We walked out after 30 mins. A glass of champagne at home, and bed!
Jan. 4. At Sea  en-route  to Falklands. Seas 3’ (calm) 60 degrees at 8am, 32 at 5pm!
We spent most of the morning on our balcony in the sun. It was beautiful and peaceful. We attended the lecture on the life and loves of Marilyn Monroe, then lunch by the pool. Through the years we have become much more nonchalant cruisers. At first we did everything, played every game, attended every lecture and sat in the front row at every show. Now, it’s not that we are complacent, or unappreciative, it’s just we don’t need to do anything we don’t really want to anymore. And, we take naps and sit in the back row of the balcony, just in case! After lunch I walked for 30 min., but the temperature had dropped to 48, so I was getting cold and didn’t stay out longer. Later we watched a documentary “The Billion Dollar Heist” on cyber crime. Very interesting. We had a very special dinner. The chef made a traditional Rouladen dinner for 8 of us. Apparently another German couple on board had requested it. They will make a special meal for parties of 8 or more, so the chef, knowing L&0 are German, asked if we would want it too. It was delicious, but way more than we could eat! After dinner we had a drink in the Observation  lounge, and skipped the Dancing with the Stars dancers. 
Jan. 5. Falkland Islands, sunny morning, cloudy afternoon. 60. 
Totally amazing. We had such calm sailing to here and it is warm and not at all windy today. The Falklands are British and are home to thousands of Penguins. The Regent Penguin tours (“free tour” with a $119-$229 upcharge, depending) were all sold out, but we wanted to see penguins so decided to try our luck with independent tours onshore. The 4 of us tendered in at 9:45, and immediately found a private local guy who for $10pp would take us in his 4 wheeler Jeep to see penguins.  Our drivers name was Lechie; he was born and had always lived in the Falklands. He is retired from doing about everything there is to do here (not much!). The  drive was 20 min. through desolate land, with the last 5 mins. being real 4 wheel drive driving! We arrived at a very private access to Yorke Bay Beach. We trekked for 10 min, up and down and across sand dunes to a high lookout of the beach, but also right next to a colony of Gentoo penguins and their chicks. From this lookout, we could see several other colonies, as well a several King Penguins down on the beach. Interestingly, for as remote as this was, there were at least 3 game wardens keeping watch, and not letting anyone (anyone being only us 4 and Lechie) near the birds. We hung out here for quite some time before heading back across the dunes. We both had city tours scheduled for the afternoon, but we asked Lechie if,  for a little more money, he would give us a tour. He gladly agreed, and showed us around. When we finished with Lechie we canceled our Regent tours and headed for the pubs for Falkland famous Fish and Chips. The pub Deb and Dan had recommended, Victory, was a charming small family owned British pub, but it was packed, so we went to another nearby pub. It was ok, but no atmosphere. After lunch, Harty ran back to the Victory Pub and texted us to come. We got seats at the bar and had another pint of local beer truly on a pull draft tap! They stayed longer in town, but George and I came back to rest up.  We had our cocktail in Observation as usual, but what was amazing was looking out,  it was like glass..not a ripple here where so many ships can’t get in because of the wind and fog! All in all, one of our favorite days!
Jan. 6. At Sea. Sunny, 60, seas 3’, wind 8kts.
It’s a beautiful day at sea. After breakfast we sat at a table in the sun by the pool til time to go to the lecture on Radio City Music Hall. It was interesting, particularly after reading Fiona Davis’ book so knowing a little of the history. The lecturer  actually was the CEO of Radio City for a while in his otherwise as illustrious career. We had lunch by the pool, then a quick nap before a 2:30 lecture on the De Vinci code. We are skipping the 3:30 “fireside chat” with the show biz lecturer, going on a Galley tour at 4:30, then on to cocktails and dinner. Phew! Exhausting, all of this work..I mean, fun!!
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Comments

karenwirtzy
2024-01-05

Good news about Brazil. More beautiful scenery!

Dep
2024-01-06

Love touring with you! I’m now home. Hope 2024 is a good year for us!

Kim
2024-01-06

Please adopt me! LOL! This all sounds amazing and so wonderful how you are lucking out with stuff!! Continue enjoying!!

Marcie
2024-01-06

Well you 4 are good at moving “outside the box”. Rearranging to include what you want. Worth it to get your own guide. Terrific - it takes a lot of energy to keep the pace! Wow on the honest to goodness real seals. Amazing! It is so rare that they can get the cruise ships in - waters almost always rough. You hit it at just the right time. Loving your comentary. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

G
2024-01-06

Why did Darwin hate Patagonia? I am loving these updates Dorie. Glad Brazil worked out for $$$$

Debbie
2024-01-07

Thanks, Dori. Amazing how things work out between the weather and “Brazil”. Had a bridge lesson with a guy who walked in with “The Fun Way to Serious Bridge”! Said it was all you need. Take care, you both look great.

Rita
2024-01-10

Scenery is amazing ! I love your story telling… so glad you and George are having the best times!!

2025-02-10

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