Antarctic Peninsula II

The crossing from South Georgia to the Antarctic Peninsula was smooth. Summer in the southern hemisphere is the ideal travel season, as the winter storms can be very dangerous. Therefore, the so-called “overwinterers” in the research stations on Antarctica also remain isolated and inaccessible during the winter there. The sunny weather invites excursions on the sun deck whenever time permits, as long as no zodiac excursions are possible.

Very rare stroke of luck: Green and blue rays at the end of the sunset only possible under very clear skies (hardly any dust, hardly any haze)! https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gr%C3%BCner_Blitz

On 9 December we reached Ushuaia again and were able to go out because of the overnight stay. Argentina had just reached the semi-finals of the Men’s World Cup. The streets were buzzing accordingly. That is just Latin American temperament.

We were not alone at our berth in Ushuaia. Polar expedition ships from many shipping companies dock here during the season. Ushuaia is considered the gateway to Antarctica. During the next trip to the Antarctic Peninsula, we met an expedition ship from Hapag-Lloyd.

So we spent Christmas with the penguins floating past us on icebergs and small floes. The ship’s bridge is not only a place full of impressive technology, but also always offers a nice exchange with the navigation officers. Plus, of course, it offers the best view.

I was also fascinated time and again by the research stations, which are now preserved as museums. They bear witness to the austere times under which scientists once worked here. And of course you also encounter whales! Especially when the helicopter is flying, they want to see what’s going on.