Bolivia, Gorgeous Scenery

 

On a bike ride down one of the world's most dangerous roads, I manage to capture a few still shots but they hardly do justice to the beauty found there.

 

 

 

From at times clear rich blue skies to lush green valleys covered in fog, what an awesome way to enjoy a thrilling bike ride.

 

 

 

 

 

Antarctica, Return To Ushuaia

 

Around 6am, I am initially alone on the upper deck of the Ioffe as we navigate the Beagle Channel towards Ushuaia.

 

Although it is quite windy, the weather is beautifully welcoming as the surrounding hills are covered with more snow than when we left.

 

 

 

This has been an incredible journey that has a bitter sweet ending. Many thanks to all who made it possible.

 

 

 

Technorati Tags: Antarctica,Akademik Ioffe

Antarctica, The Final Celebration

 

After a farewell Captain's dinner, a few of us make our way to the bar for our final night aboard the Ioffe.

 

 

 

The atmosphere is a festive one with Salsa dancing and group karaoke.

It is hard to believe this dream is coming to an end but it will be remembered as one of the best trips I have ever taken.

 

 

 

Technorati Tags: Akademik Ioffe

Antarctica, Peale Dolphins

 

It is a beautiful afternoon as we continue our journey north to Ushuaia and encounter a pleasant surprise.

A huge school of playful Peale Dolphins have decided to be the first to welcome us back to friendly waters. Crisscrossing the bow of the Ioffe they are a delight to watch as they obviously enjoy being goodwill sea ambassadors.

 

 

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Antarctica, Cape Horn

 

Our return to Ushuaia will take us near the famous Cape Horn. As a part of our daily after dining chat, Damien one of the expedition leaders and a great historian gives a brief presentation on Cape Horn.

Did you know Cape Horn was named after a town in Holland?

 

 

I am on the bridge as we approach Cape Horn which slow takes shape through foggy over cast gray skies.

 

 

 

There is a lot of radio chatter with Chilean customs official who I gather are trying to find away to charge the Ioffe a fee for passing near the area.

For years, this has been a disputed area between Chile and Argentina which at one time required intervention from the Pope to resolve.

 

Smoothly sailing along, it is had to imagine the disastrous naval history of the area.

 

 

 

Many ships have been lost here trying to navigate one of the most dangerous ocean passage.

 

Antarctica, Akademik Ioffe Upper Deck

 

Our tour ends on what is now a spacious upper deck area. However, this was not always the case as this area was used for one of the three metal sails originally designed on the Ioffe.

 

These sails allowed the ship to carry out sonar research without having to worry about engine noise interference.

On the upper deck is also located the seldom used crow's nest along with a flag system that used various shaped black metal disks to communicate with other ships.

Except for little protection from the wind, the upper deck offers nice views from the Akademik Ioffe.

 

Technorati Tags: Akademik Ioffe,Antarctica

Antarctica, Akademik Ioffe The Bridge

 

For the past week, I have spent a fair amount of time on the bridge but it is not until this trip that I get a more in depth understanding of it's operation.

Here new and old technology have been combined including a simple wooden steering block that reminds the crew of the ship's desired course. Even with all the technology, it is still the eyes and experience of the crew that provides for a smooth, safe and efficient operation.

 

We get a good explanation of the various control panels but I have a personal enlightenment when we arrive at the flag section of the bridge.

 

 

Flags are an important part of a ship's communication system and can also be used on a personal level. For example, did you know there was a dating flag? Not the same as the “I surrender”, white flag or the well known “Red” flag. No, this flag is white with a blue plus sign. 

It communicates “stop carrying out your intentions and wait for my signal”.

Oh, the headaches that could be avoided if we all had to use flags!

 

 

 

Technorati Tags: Akademik Ioffe,Dating Flag