Last day on "Polaris" :-( On the plus, side, I got to go on an early morning excursion into the southernmost Andes before heading north. I was awake before my alarm clock (0600) and got to watch a very pretty sunrise. Spent some time reading and doing Duolingo before I got my remaining items (checked in closets and drawers one more time ) and left my cabin for the last time (sad). Ate breakfast (with ALL passengers) at World Cafe (eggs, sausage, beans, fruit, yogurt). I’d already checked two bags to Buenos Aires so only had my small backpack to deal with. At 0720, I met my tour group in The Library so we could depart on our trip to Tierra del Fuego National Park . By 0730, we left the pier on a big tour bus (many farewells to crew) with a sign on it that said "Blue 1 Group". Our guide was Georgina and our driver was Martino. Amazingly, we got another wonderful weather day, unusual for the area (I'd often heard “we have 200 days of rain a year”). During the drive to the west, our guide told us about the history of Ushuaia (it was formerly a prison colony). We got nice views of the Beagle Channel (Georgina: “I’ve never seen so calm”). Eventually, we ended up on a dirt road (very curvy, with rickety bridges). We passed camping and rafting sites and saw lots of wild horses (she called them something like "trobishas"). Our route took us near (but not visible) to a historic train track that was built by convicts. We stopped to look at a "turbal" (peat bog) and learned a lot about trees; we saw beech and canella (Winter’s Bark). Georgina also talked about something she called "faralitochina" (a parasite on trees). At 0820, we stopped for a walk at the end of Rua 3 (“Fin del Mundo”); the place was called “La Battalla." We took a walk on a pretty boardwalk that gave us beautiful views of the water (I learned later that the calm "lake" was connected to Beagle Channel). Encountered many upland geese and walked among Lenga trees. All around us, there were many snowy mountains. At one point, I stumbled across a boat dock that seemed to offer transit to Puerto Arias. On our way in the bus again at 0850, we headed towards the park exit. During this phase of the trip, we learned about native cultures. We stopped at Alakush (visitor center), which contained an interesting museum. We also got a snack of Alfajor con Dulce de Leche, another pastry and some tea. While eating, I met a French trekker (Oliver) and had an interesting conversation with him. Back on the bus at 0955, we continued on our way through the park. Georgina told us about about a nearby peak called Cerro Condor - it was located on the 65th parallel of longitude and defined part of the border with Chile. We made another stop at southernmost post office in the world. Most of the other passengers wanted to send some mail or get a passport stamp but I avoided the big line. Instead, I walked part of the Senda Costera - beautiful. Everyone was back on the bus again at 1035 and then we drove to the Ushuaia airport (on the way, I filled out a satisfaction survey, all excellent marks, for our guide and driver). When we arrived (1100), we had to stand in a huge queue that went from the departure terminal entrance to the gates. This was because all of the other (non “field trip”) passengers from “Polaris” got there at the same time (they’d been waiting in a restaurant in Ushuaia). Despite the annoying queue, it was actually kind of amazing to see how many people could be processed by security... After we reached the gate area, I found an outlet where I was able to recharge my phone, During that time, I saw lots of familiar faces and made some more farewells. Our departure time wasn’t planned until 1300 but everyone else jumped in the line at the gate at about 1130 (I did not). At one point, I got up to walk around and encountered more “Polaris” passengers (from a fight scheduled earlier than ours) who are also waiting. I’d initially been a bit disappointed to see the “FlyBondi” logo on my boarding pass but was later quite pleased to see several Aerolineas Argentinas B737s arrive. My mood improved further when we started boarding (1215) and I found my seat had much more leg room than our aircraft on the previous flight from Buenos Aires. Unfortunately, I started in a middle seat - but I was able to move to the aisle after the aircraft doors were closed. We took off on time and got some pretty views of the area as we departed to the north. At cruising altitude, I did some reading and blogging. Mid-flight, we were served chicken salad sandwiches and “chips” (more like little sliced pieces of toast). We got lemon cookies and tea near the end of the flight. My sinuses cleared out a little during the climb but, during the descent, my ears were blocked again (uggggh). After we landed in Buenos Aires (1615) we found there was no jetway. This might not have normally been a big deal but it was VERY hot outside. Eventually, we deplaned and I was able to get my bags quickly and locate the Viking representatives inside the terminal. Our next delay began immediately, though, and we ended up waiting for Viking passengers who had booked an extension. Finally (1700), we were on our way (by bus) to Puerto Madero - whew! It took nearly an hour to reach our hotel (Hilton again) and, once in the lobby, there was another logjam of activity. It eventually became clear that the order we did tasks would determine how quickly things moved along. Using some of my Navy Career experience, I went first to the Viking desk and then got my room key - total time elapsed was 10 minutes. Meanwhile, many of the other guests were milling around, waiting for instructions. Reaching my hotel room, I found it to be very warm but also determined that I had great views from the window. After closing the curtains and firing up the HVAC, I showered, changed and then departed the hotel (1830). Even then, it was still quite warm and the sun angle was brutal for several of the restaurants along the canal. Despite the heat, I walked a good bit to locate somewhere I might be comfortable. Ultimately, I settled on “Juan Bautista” (1900). Once seated, I ordered some Prisionero Malbec and ate a tasty appetizer (empanada). My main course for dinner was Bondiola de Cerdo (pork). For the first time in years, I’d didn’t enjoy the assado because the meat seemed very charred. In the end, I only consumed one third... By that point, the mosquitos had descended on Puerto Madero. As a result, it became almost unbearable to be outside and I started my walk back to the hotel. Crossing the canals, I arrived back at the Hilton at 2020. Walking past the hotel restaurant, I saw almost all of the other Viking passengers I'd arrived with eating dinner there (SMH). Back in my room, I basically collapsed in bed and was asleep quite quickly (2130). Another fun filled day - with more time in Buenos Aires tomorrow before I have to go home!
