The adventure begins

After over a year of planning the day of our trip to Antarctica begins today when we leave on the Delta flight to Atlanta and then on to Miami. We are in Miami over night and leave on Lan Chile to Buenos Aires at 9.00 PM on Wednesday. We have a day in Buenos Aires before leaving on another flight to Ushuaia, Argentina the last city of South America right at the vey end. Then it is on board Mirvana which then takes us to the Falkland Islands. A couple of days in the Falklands and then 2 more days at sea as we cruise to South Georgia, (this is where we will be Christmas Day). After spending a couple of days there we then cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula.

I will update this blog as much as possible and will be uploading photos to my Google page which can be found at http://picasaweb.google.com/Bananapatchnews I’m not sure what the link speed is on the ship but we’ll do our best.

For family and friends that we will not spend Christmas with, (the first time in a long long time), we hope that you all have a great Christmas and wonderful New Year. We will see you all when we get home on January 6th.

Here is our itinerary.
Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falkland Islands (2008)
DAY 1: USA or Canada/Buenos Aires, Argentina
Depart on your flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

DAY 2: Buenos Aires
Arrive this morning and transfer to your hotel, where immediate check-in has been arranged. Have time to relax before this afternoon's optional city tour. Meet your fellow adventurers this evening for a welcome cocktail reception. InterContinental Buenos Aires B

DAY 3: Buenos Aires/Ushuaia, Argentina
Fly to Ushuaia for a traditional Patagonian barbecue lunch. This afternoon, join your ship and settle in for a first night on board.
MV 'Minerva' (formerly called 'Explorer II')

DAY 4: At sea
Your journey to the Falkland Islands is an exciting one, as you join the Captain on the bridge or spot wildlife from the deck - these krill-rich waters are a particular favorite with marine mammals and seabirds.


DAYS 5-6: Falkland Islands
The Falklands offer a chance to step back in time to a place where nature reigns. Spend the days leisurely hiking to penguin rookeries and other unspoiled wildlife habitats, or perhaps stroll the village streets of Stanley.

DAYS 7-8: Cruising the South Atlantic
As the ship approaches South Georgia, deck-side sightings of marine mammals and other wildlife become more frequent.

DAYS 9-11: South Georgia
South Georgia is actually a nearly submerged continuation of the Andes mountain range, and your days here are spent exploring its glacier-carved coves and rugged shores. Weather permitting, enjoy a visit to impressive Salisbury Plain, St. Andrews Bay or Gold Harbour - home to a vast colony of stately king penguins.

DAYS 12-13: Cruising the Scotia Sea
Lecturers recap your adventures in South Georgia while the ship passes through waters filled with marine mammals and fish.


DAYS 14-16: Antarctica
As conditions permit, the ship's itinerary calls for landings on the Antarctic Peninsula and a number of South Shetland Islands including Cuverville, Paulet and Deception Island. There are also plans to sail through Paradise Bay and the Lemaire Channel, with other possibilities for exploration, including a scientific research station.

DAYS 17-18: Drake Passage
Return through Drake Passage where there are more opportunities for observing marine and bird life. It's also a good opportunity to reflect on your journey with fellow travellers on deck.


DAY 19: Ushuaia, Argentina/Buenos Aires
Disembark after breakfast and head out to explore Tierra del Fuego's spectacular wilderness before transferring to the airport.

DAY 20:
Connect to a homebound flight.