23rd – The expedition ends

We were woken up at around 0645 as planned with the notification that we would be passing by the Horn around 0720. Every single story there is about people going around the cape involves storms, high waves and generally bad conditions. Calm sea, barely any wind. It was nice.

Coming up to the Horn in fantastic conditions.

The small island to the far right is furthest south point.

Two human made structures can just be seen on the two small hills in the center; to the left is a statue of an albatros 

(with the albatros being in negative space) and to the right a light house.

From then on we sailed through the Beagle Channel, continuing the nice condition we were not getting used to and steadily getting rid of layers. In the mean time we watched a movie about a vessel The Peking in 1929 rounding the Horn in some absolutely terrifying weather, disembarkation instructions, lunch and generally spending time outside to get the last sights before arriving in Ushuaia. Magellanic penguins and dolphins were high points. Unfortunately the dolphins followed in the wake of the bow which was very unsuitable for the long lens I had with me at the time and when returning with a shorter lens they had naturally disappeared. We passed by Puerto Williams, the most southerly town in the world and even got to see some fur seals resting on the base of a buoy.

Unfortunately the best photo I have of the dolphins.

Magellanic penguins.

Resting fur seals.

At 1800 we had goodbye drinks with the captain and we got to say thanks to the crew (or rather those we have been in closest contact with and representatives for the rest). Then the traditional auction was held and like last year I was very interested in the flag which I didn’t win when on Svalbard. What I hadn’t prepared myself for was to see the winning bid reach 620USD. What is wrong with people? At least it all goes to charity. They also auctioned a recording of our expedition leader doing a custom wakeup call. That went for 250USD, bid by a group of girls. I had hoped that the recording had been made public for all but I understand why they chose to do it like this instead.

Dinner was had successfully (as usual) and after that people either went into Ushuaia (we had docked during dinner) or went out back to the bar on the ship.

Me with Jonathan Green, the expedition leader.

During the last night's party several guides joined Blaise Guld on the stage for a song or two. Here Gerard Baker.