Bit of a blog - HAL Oosterdam - South America & Antarctica - Dec/Jan 2023/24

[NorbertsNiece]

We had a super day in Ushuaia and I promise to catch you all up tomorrow. Really really tired atm.

 

We left port almost 5 hours behind schedule due to high winds.

 

Tomorrow we are in Punta Arenas, Chile

 

Founded in 1848 by Col. José de los Santos Mardones, it flourished as a port of call and coaling station until the opening of the Panama Canal (1914) and the replacement of coal (still mined nearby) by fuel oil as a maritime fuel. Now the service centre of a large sheep-raising area, it processes and exports hides, wool, and frozen mutton.Its port facilities also handle local lumber and petroleum products. The nearby Tierra del Fuego oil fields, the attractions of the free port, and the maintenance of naval, air, and army garrisons have all contributed to the city’s modern growth. Surface communication and an international airport connect it with the north and Tierra del Fuego

 

We are taking a HAL excursion : 

 

A Voyage into the Past: Magellan's Discovery.

 

Top 3 Reasons To Book

 

The history of Patagonia and Magellan's travels

A replica of Magellan's ship, the Victoria

The charm of the southernmost city in the world

Only 18 members survived Magellan's 1519 expedition, which circumnavigated the globe and put Tierra del Fuego on the map. The territory you'll cover today played a significant role in Magellan's epic voyage, and your outing will introduce you to the saga and the first inhabitants of Fireland (Tierra del Fuego).

 

Your guide will first show you some points of interest in Punta Arenas, the southernmost city in the world, but the major highlights are found in the rugged, scenic beauty outside of the city.

 

You will head to Nao Victoria Museum, which contains a life-size replica of Ferdinand Magellan's ship -- the vessel in which he circumnavigated the globe. The ship replica recreates all the original structural features and, unlike many museums, offers a very tactile experience, as visitors are encouraged to hear the sounds of yesteryear and touch the replica everyday objects, including navigation instruments and artillery.

 

The next stop is at the Maggiorino Borgatello Museum, founded by Salesian missionaries. This facility provides a comprehensive overview of the regional flora and fauna, the habitat of the local indigenous people, and regional history.

 

From here, you will drive to the Cerro la Cruz viewpoint and take in the same view of the Strait of Magellan that Ferdinand Magellan himself had when he was here. You'll also see the port and the legendary Tierra del Fuego Island -- known as Fireland.

 

On your way back to town, stop at Plaza de Armas (the main square) before returning to the pier.

 

Please note:

 

You must climb a long flight of stairs to reach some of the displays at the Maggiorino Borgatello Museum and most of the exhibit interpretive panels are written in Spanish only.

[NorbertsNiece]

I'd like to thank each and every one of you for your support and encouragement with my posts. You do make it so worth my time.

 

Wishing you all a very happy new year and a wonderful 2024

 

 

 

[Sea42]

2 minutes ago, NorbertsNiece said:

I'd like to thank each and every one of you for your support and encouragement with my posts. You do make it so worth my time.

 

Wishing you all a very happy new year and a wonderful 2024

 

 

 

 

A Happy & Healthy New Year to you!

[Islander58]

17 minutes ago, NorbertsNiece said:

I'd like to thank each and every one of you for your support and encouragement with my posts. You do make it so worth my time.

 

Wishing you all a very happy new year and a wonderful 2024

 

 

 

Happy New Year! Enjoy your cruise!

[NorbertsNiece]

Day 17 Punta Arenas Chile

 

Good afternoon and thanks for following.

 

I am poorly. Raging headache not responding to painkillers; did not participate in the change of year festivities!

 

Geoff has gone ashore. I'm still in the cabin.

 

Pics from last night sailing out along the Beagle Channel, we appear to be straddling the line between Chile and Argentina!

 

 

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[NorbertsNiece]

Happy new year!!

 

Geoff grabbed some pics before heading off. You can see tenders in the location screenshot. Ticket numbers are still being called.

 

 

 

 

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Edited January 1 by NorbertsNiece

[NorbertsNiece]

Kudos to the Captain and his bridge team for getting us here with still plenty of time for a good day ashore (all aboard isn't until 2030). 20knots appears to have been the average speed in what looks like 'interesting' channels to reach the mainland!

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Edited January 1 by NorbertsNiece

[waiting2retire]

So sorry you’re not feeling well. Certainly puts a damper on the cruise. Hope you get rid of the headache and can continue with your wonderful trip report! 

[haptrav]

Thanks so much for your wonderful blog.  I've been thoroughly enjoying it.  Hope you feel better soon and that it's not COVID.  Happy new year!

[NorbertsNiece]

@waiting2retire @haptrav thanks! Slept off and on all day. Isn't the first time on a cruise that I've involuntarily missed a port of call 😳

 

Geoff had a good time and I'll share his pics in due course. Lamb chops ordered for dinner tonight ..... 

[Astrid61]

5 hours ago, NorbertsNiece said:

Day 17 Punta Arenas Chile

 

Good afternoon and thanks for following.

 

I am poorly. Raging headache not responding to painkillers; did not participate in the change of year festivities!

 

Geoff has gone ashore. I'm still in the cabin.

 

Pics from last night sailing out along the Beagle Channel, we appear to be straddling the line between Chile and Argentina!

 

 

.

..

 

 

 

 

Hope you feeling better soon! Thanks for you blog. I'm really enjoying it and making me looking forward to our trip on the 29th!!
The best wishes for 2024 with lots of luck, love, happiness and health!!

 

[TravelBluebird]

Happy New Year and I hope you feel better very soon!

[NorbertsNiece]

Day 18 Sea day

 

Good morning and thanks for following 

 

Am feeling heaps better today. Currently waiting on breakfast pancakes!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Edited January 2 by NorbertsNiece

[NorbertsNiece]

The bow camera isn't working!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited January 2 by NorbertsNiece

[NorbertsNiece]

Catching you up with our amazing and, for me, tiring day in Ushuaia.

 

The day turned very windy indeed but was pleasant enough to start with.

 

We were maybe a dozen in our van. First set of pics touring the town.  VERY pic heavy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Edited January 2 by NorbertsNiece

[NorbertsNiece]

The Southern Fuegian Railway or the Train of the End of the World is a 500 mm gauge steam railway in Tierra del Fuego Province. It was originally built, by convicts, as a freight line to serve the prison of Ushuaia, specifically to transport timber and other materials. The station is very quaint and sells convict outfits in the gift shop

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited January 2 by NorbertsNiece

[NorbertsNiece]

After a short ride into the Tierra del Fuego National Park we take a walk along the banks of a beautiful lake, Lago Acigami also known as Lago Roca separates Argentina from Chile

 

Many many pics

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blue berries. Edible when ripe

 

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Upland geese

 

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Edible fungi

 

 

 

Edited January 2 by NorbertsNiece

[NorbertsNiece]

We drive to our next stop which is by the Green Lagoon. A family of beavers have set up home...... it's the triangular shape of branches on the opposite side from where we're standing.

 

Beavers were introduced to the area in 1946 due to an effort by the Argentine government to establish a fur trade in the region. Ever since the introduction event, the beavers have spread throughout most of Tierra del Fuego and have even been recently spotted on the Brunswick Peninsula, mainland Chile. According to our guide they are prolific

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The occupied beaver lodge

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Edited January 2 by NorbertsNiece

[NorbertsNiece]

We are now at the end of Route 3. 

At its fullest extent the Pan-American Highway is a network of roads stretching from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, to Ushuaia, Argentina, a distance of around 48,000 kilometres (30,000 miles).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[NorbertsNiece]

Back in the van we head to the end of the world where there's a post office! Postcards are sent.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Edited January 2 by NorbertsNiece

[NorbertsNiece]

Apologies for the photo bomb!

 

I've mislaid my notes!!! 😳

 

Heading back to Ushuaia we pass a Douglas DC3 Dakota, USAF gave to Argentina circa 1947. We pass military accommodation for the army and navy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited January 2 by NorbertsNiece

[NorbertsNiece]

I went walkabout as I am prone.

 

I may have stumbled across a favourite shop

 

The Monument to the Ancient and Pioneer Settlers was declared of municipal interest through resolution 201/2014 of the Deliberative Council. In October 2014, a plaque was installed in the Plaza Cívica in the sector where the monument was to be located.

 

After a long period of work, the monument made by the sculptor Antonino Pilello was inaugurated on June 21, 2017.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited January 2 by NorbertsNiece

[NorbertsNiece]

Back on board rehearsals are under way for tonight's party. They've magic-ed GF hot dog buns from somewhere!

 

Sailaway is delayed over 5 hours due to the very high winds!! Walking back to the ship was a medal worthy achievement!! 💨💨💨

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Edited January 2 by NorbertsNiece

[CNSJ]

Your photos and commentary is simply superb.  Thank you so much.  I am booking this trip for Jan 2026 and hope to see it all unperson then.

 

I have read many people's comments for this trip (South America/Antarctica) as well as Alaska that its too cold to bother with getting a balcony.  Based on your photos and weather report, I think with a coat, hat and gloves, the balcony will get quite a bit of use! 

[TravelBluebird]

5 minutes ago, CNSJ said:

I have read many people's comments for this trip (South America/Antarctica) as well as Alaska that its too cold to bother with getting a balcony.  Based on your photos and weather report, I think with a coat, hat and gloves, the balcony will get quite a bit of use! 

 

We did not book a balcony initially because we were also told it was too cold, but then I spoke to someone else who took the trip and does lots of photography, and they said a balcony is wonderful for popping out quickly and getting some photos, them popping back into your warm cabin.  So, when a balcony upgrade was offered to us, we took it!