Brutal Drake Crossing

Our last night crossing the Drake was BRUTAL!

Two days ago, after dinner, we were really beginning to move.

We were prepared to go to bed and just stay in bed all day if we needed to.

(We all feel pretty fine if we're lying down.)

We slept late, and felt good enough to spend the late morning sitting up in bed, 

reading a magazine and blogging.

Dan and I were even hungry for lunch and enjoyed the seafood buffet.

After lunch Chris came over and we all hung out, took naps and had a nice dinner

and laughed as we swayed across the hallway walking back to our rooms.

The seas were in the blue zone all day--about 10 foot swells.

About midnight, after our movie (Harry Potter 1), we could barely stand without feeling sick.

We were in the red zone. 15 foot waves.

Chris stumbled back to his room I laid in bed until I could sort out my head and stomach and muster the strength to get up to brush my teeth.

The whole night was crazy. Imagine spending nine hours trying to sleep 

on the Tidal Wave ride at Lagoon... after you've already spent 24 hours on it.

Not to mention your back is killing because you've spent so much time reclining.

The boat rocked up and down and then often shuddered side to side, creaking and moaning.

At one point I was desperate to capture the size of the waves, but also, the idea

of getting out of bed and staggering to the window sounded impossible

It was horrible. Worse. It was a nightmare.

And then at 9:00 a.m. we entered protected waters and suddenly the motion stopped. 

We stumbled out of bed and dared to look out the window. Blue skies, sunshine, glassy water.

By 3:00 p.m. we arrived in Puerto Williams with the beautiful backdrop of Los Dientes.

We were able to walk around the "town" of 2,500 and enjoy 60*.

And somehow the torture of the previous night softened.

(Although everyone was talking about it--bonding over the shared experience.)

An old German ship that was marooned in the harbor and turned into a bar and "yacht club."

The town square.

Puerto Williams is a Navy Base. Half the people work with the navy, the other in tourism or crabbing.

This monument is made from the hull of the Chilean ship that rescued Shackleton's men.

This evening we had a farewell to the crew of expedition scientists 

and also announcing the winners of the photo contest.

Our expedition scientists. Almost unrecognizable as we're used to them in their winter gear.

My photos of the winning photos aren't great, but I wanted to post anyway to remember.

It was really cool to hear the professionals talk about how much goes into taking an award winning photo than just capturing a cool image (composition, shutter speed, timing, focus and more.)

Dan, Chris and I agreed that we never want to cross the Drake again. 

But we were glad for the experience. 

You can take still cruise Antarctica but start and end by flying into King George Island,

which I would recommend, especially if you're prone to seasickness.

You wouldn't miss seeing anything for the two crossing days except the back of your eyelids.

But we're survivors!

We spend tonight in port and disembark tomorrow.

We've had two days at sea leaving Antarctica then two more days of flights to get home.

Four days to get to Antarctica! It's hard to believe how far away we are!