Expedition endings – 3 April – Travel adventures with Nicola & co.

Last day today before disembarking tomorrow. 😦

Normal procedure this morning with the addition of the dreaded task of packing.

Breakfast – last leisurely one.

A talk by Jonathan this morning about his involvement in the 1988 bicentennial expedition to climb Mt Minto one of the unclimbed mountains of Antarctica. This was followed by a showing of the movie of the expedition “The Lonliest Mountain” a very challenging and hard fought journey.

Did another day of the blog this arvo while waiting to download some shared photos. Just got my turn before the lecture.

More packing, more food. Then a talk by Edi and Ari on things to do in Ushuaia.

Walked around on deck a bit, captured some clouds and the ‘Xbow’ wave.

Watched for a while longer until there was a call to view both the kayakers and snorkelers photo

Slideshows. They were a clash so started with kayakers when there was a call of Peale’s Dolphins surfing the Xbow. So up we went to try and photograph them. They were fabulous to watch, hard to capture

Captain ‘s drinks and cocktails and the inaugural Sylvia Earle Rock Paper Scissors challenge. Ari defeated John on the last ‘throw’ of three rounds of three. Really good fun.

It’s a real farewell to the captain as he hands over tomorrow.

Howard acknowledged Capt Artem and tgr work he has done all season to keep the ship and her passengers safe.

Our journey was long and tense journey. But we got

The ship is a pretty nice toy.

Seasick in the Drake is part of the experience.

Told the story of old sailors who had sailed Cape Horn from Pacific to Atlantic could have an earring on their left ear. If successfully returned with the Cape on the right side. Then they could pierce the right ear. In a bar two pierced ears meant first drink is free and allowed to put their feet up on the table.

He then shared three FAQS with us. Quite funny.

Captain thanked Aurora and complimented them on their approach to the work.

Toast and back to Howard recap.

Rare to get the fresh snow at Jougla.

All going well enough till the weather after Brown Bluff.

Then avoid the weather., skip Elephant Island. 15knot speeds allowed us to have the day on the Sth Georgia before running from the weather again.

Stanley is as amazing having the full day. Thanks ro Jonathan and Vicki for leading things.

West Falklands was amazing. Howard was proud of so many of us bracing and braving the weather to walk to Leopard beach.

Grand Finale of Saunders island then followed by 100s of Sei Whales and dolphins. Quite amazing and an underated place.

Howard then called on the E team and acknowledged each individually. Nice touch.

David , medic from Dunedin

Vicki , birds

Hodai, kayak

Julia, whales

Birgitta, above the water on this trip

Martin, kayaks

Zac, zodiac manager

Lucas, more extreme- freediving pioneer spirit.

Edi , treat on the team.

Lelia, on board, usually on shore.

Max, 60 sec Max. Depend on Max across the board

Stephi, pushing the boundaries. Extraordinary lectures. Crevasse ridden places she scopes with Howard

Tracey, positive happy professional

Leo, was left “on hold”

Ari, recently on board as shop manager. Fully formed perfect team member

Jonathan, treat to work together since 2000’s sharing life history.

Ivan, peer review. A sleeper needed more time to learn of his adventures and future

Russell, the quiet one. Future expedition leader. He makes things happens

Eamon, helped set ship up. Great leader and works well with team. Last minute decision maker.

Anna, crucial interface between us and hotel and everything on the ship. Keeping everyone and Howard informed and mud room. Pain in the butt but love it.

Back to Leo. Assistant Expedition Leader. In case of Emergency needed to step up. Wealth of experience. Peer review- number of people called out the way Leo works. Loud bark, strict and cracks the whip while encouraging and acknowledging others.

Leo then responded

Howard. – makes everything possible and under control. Find best options and solutions. E Team have a leader, teacher who makes us improve and be better every day.

Howard. Thanks to us from bottom of heart for patience and understanding when things weren’t able to be done.

…dinner, then take slid dinner and where and then the iceberg sighting comp etc.