Helen asked me to post this for you...

Today is Friday 1/25 and it is our 2nd sea day. We have just had our mandatory
briefing on Zodiacs: how to dress, how to behave and what to expect when we
make our first landings tomorrow. WooHoo! Weather today is a little foggy and
somewhat chillier than it has been. Prior to today the weather was bright and
shiny and warmer than I expected, in the 50s mostly. There is much movement and
rocking of the ship but it is pretty gentle. Mostly stuff rolls off the table
as opposed to bouncing off. Good sleeping movement and I guess no one is really
adversely affected as the dining room was full to overflowing at lunch today.
Santiago was very hot, and it was a Sunday that we were there so nothing much
was open. We had a great lunch of king crab at the fish market and then headed
to the hotel The Grand Hyatt is very nice with a lovely pool area.
Flight to Ushuaia was uneventful. There were 4 of us and we were scattered
around the plane so dont know how they determine seat assignments? After we got
to Ushuaia we were taken from the airport (luggage was taken separately) to a
BBQ/Gaucho show. Very pleasant way to kill the few hours before we could board.
Boarding was a breeze. The cabins are pretty basic. Ours (SP 08) is a bit more
spacious then my nephews' B35 and we have a small stocked fridge whch they do
not have. FYI my boys tell me that the DVDs they brought with them from the
States will not play on the TV in the cabin, only the ones that they get from
the reception desk. So bring a DVD player if you plan to catch up.
In the Falklands we took the excursion to the Rockhopper penguins. Had a ball.
They are very cute little guys. Be warned however that it is rough ride in a
SUV over the peat. The young man who drove us said that a guy he drove in the
second group complained so bitterly that his wife finally told him to just shut
up! The ugly American rears his head again!
The food has been very good to excellent. The deck BBQs have been fabulous:
German sausages and beer one day and fresh mussels from the Falklands and white
wine the next. Sadly no Belvedere vodka but we soldier on. The crew and the
Expedition team are very friendly and the Captain is quite accessible. The
bridge is open Dress is pretty casual. I saw a few rhinestones at the Captains
Welcome Aboard dinner but basically black pants and a nice blouse are more thsn
adequate.
No ice yet but a few whale sightings. This morning I saw 2 fin whales along
side- saw their backs break the surface, very big boys! Very impressive.
So the excitement builds as we prepare for our first landing tomorrow. If Kathy
doesnt mind conveying them I will try to answer any questions from you Icers
and will try to post again.
-----------------
Helen