To Ushuaia

The flight to Ushuaia left from the domestic airport in the centre of town on the river plate. What a huge volume of water with strong currents. The view of BA as we let was spectacular and we flew down the country over great areas of flat fields, the coast with some huge inlets and wide rivers and a clear view over the Magellan Strait. About 20 minutes out from Ushuaia there was a flurry of activity as passengers pulled out jerseys and jackets from cabin luggage in preparation for landing in Ushuaia. It was about 20 degrees C lower in Ushuaia than BA.

It was the usual taxi fun with luggage and people – the airport taxi loading doesn’t allow heavily loaded cabs – an excellent ploy to increase taxi revenue, although the fares are cheap.

Our arrival at the Hostal Paisaje del Beagle was smooth and we were soon in very well heated rooms – all the shops and rooms are heated. The first thing we all did was turn off the heating and open the windows. Ross went off to rendevous with Spirit while we all went shopping – an urgent message was received – passports to the boat please – NOW. Darrel had arranged with the Prefectura for us to have our departure documentation approved at 8pm so that we could sail at 7am the following morning. We completed the papers and then all presented at 8pm for clearance before walking a block for dinner. Back to the hostel at 11ish and then up and ready for taxis just before 7am. The luggage was loaded onto the front deck of Spirit and we left immediately for Puerto Williams. Stowing baggage below as we motored down the Beagle.

Our adventure on Spirit of Sydney had begun.