Antarctica 2013
In December of 2013, Tom and his brother-in-law Jim, departed on an expedition to Antarctica, traveling with Grand Circle. They first flew to Buenos Aires for two days, where they toured the city and ate more than their share of empanadas. They then flew to Ushuaia at the southern tip of South America. Here they hiked in the beautiful Tierra del Fuego National Park and spent an afternoon on a catamaran exploring the Beagle Channel with islands covered with Cormorants and sea lions. They boarded the Corinthian II (photo on right) for their nine day expedition to Antarctica. Crossing Drake Passage got a little rough, but they enjoyed spending time on deck observing a variety of sea birds, including the Wandering Albatross. Cruising through the South Shetland Islands and along the Antarctic Peninsula was spectacular, with numerous shore landings in Zodiacs for hiking, observing the many penguins, and visiting a research base.
Uruguay museum ship docked in Buenos Aires, 1903 Antarctica rescue mission
La Boca, colorful bohemian district in Buenos Aires
Ushuaia, Argentina
Hiking in Tierra del Fuego National Park
Exploring Beagle Channel on catamaran
Crossing Drake Passage, bird watching
First iceberg sighting
First Zodiac landing on Aitcho Island to visit Gentoo and Chinstrap rookeries
Zodiac landing at Port Lockroy, historic British research station
Zodiac landing at Jaugla Point
Sunny day on deck
Captain on the job
Zodiac landing on Danco Island
Fourth landing of the day for evening hike
Full moon on deck
Zodiac cruise through Leith Cove in Paradise Bay
Polar Plunge at Orne Island
Whale watching on deck
The Wandering Glorious Drunken Ancient Mariners with tour director David
Cape Horn, back to civilization
