Day 124: January 31, 2025 – Ushuaia, Argentina
Ushuaia, at the southern tip of South America, is widely known as The End of The World. But technically, that’s not accurate, since there is an entire continent that lies further south. It’s true that for most travelers this is the end of the road and the last city. But it’s also the gateway for cruises into Antarctica.
I was on one of those cruises last year, but our visit was of the drive-by variety, where you anchor for a few hours to admire the stunning landscape but don’t get to disembark. I always hoped I could someday set foot on the 7th continent. (Antarctica was on the original itinerary for the Odyssey, but it has been postponed for several years, and it too did not include disembarking on land.) So when we arrived in Ushuaia and I heard from one of my shipmates (thanks Silja!) about a last-minute opening on another ship headed to Antarctica, I didn’t hesitate to jump ship. (Yes, that is literally.) And this time it will be the real thing – we’ll have zodiac boats that will take us from the ship onto land.
I will be embarking a Quark Expedition ship tomorrow and rejoining the Odyssey at another port 11 days later. I am beyond excited, and a little bit nervous. We have the treacherous Drake passage to get through, famous for its rogue waves and choppy waters. And then there is the Antarctic rite of passage, the REAL polar plunge, which I really want to do but which is terrifying for me.
But a chance to set foot on the 7th continent? Impossible to pass up.
16 responses to “Beyond The End Of The World”
Ahhh so jealous!!
I was so wishing you could be here with me, Chrissy!
Do the plunge! I’ve done above the Arctic Circle and below the Antarctic Circle. Its darned cold and so amazing! Antarctica was a big colder and cold is cold! You got this!!
I did it! Well it was more like a polar dip than a plunge, but for me, still a big deal 🙂
Wow Basha, can’t wait to see pics of you in Antarctica!!
Oh my goodness… you never stop amazing me with your bravery… I am so chicken… I can’t wait for this trip!!!!!
Remember your sea bands, etc. 🙂 Go Girl! Another one checked off the bucket list! Can’t wait for those posts.
The EUROPA tall ship intrigued me. Internet says it sails Antarctica through the winter months and trains guest sailors. It competes in races worldwide in the summer. Can you imagine a tall ship sailing the Antarctic waters?
Got ’em. In fact, I’m putting them on right now, as we’re about to exit the Beagle Chanel.
Wow, interesting. It looked like it had seen better days, interesting that it’s used for training.
Very exciting! I’m so glad this opportunity has presented itself.
Do you suppose someone is taking that sailing ship through the Drake Passage?
Very exciting! I’m so glad this opportunity has presented itself.
Do you suppose someone is taking that sailing ship through the Drake Passage?
You absolutely blow my mind! Kinda reminds me of a teenage traveling…
Sure let’s go!!!
You Go Girl!!
Ha! I never did that kind of traveling as a teenager, so I must be compensating for it now!
That ship looks like it had seen better days, I don’t think I would want to be the one on it crossing Drake!
How exciting! It was Drake Lake when I crossed in 94. Good luck. Disembarking was one of the best parts for me ,walking among the thousands of penguins and seals along the rocks or beaches. Unforgettable and seemingly not of this world.
How exciting! It was Drake Lake when I crossed in 94. Good luck. Disembarking was one of the best parts for me ,walking among the thousands of penguins and seals along the rocks or beaches. Unforgettable and seemingly not of this world.