J9Fabre Antarctica, Patagonia, Buenos Aires... Dec07-Jan08

I am currently sailing along the Antarctic Peninsula on the Aleksy
Maryshev. We have been very fortunate with the weather although
crossing the Drake Passage was a bit sickening. Much pitching &
rolling. We went ashore yesterday and today and have seen whales,
weddell seals, a couple of leopard seals and lots of penguins. I've got
many photos (no surprises there). We've also seen albatrosses,
including the Wandering Albatross. Wow!

The other passengers are great (46 total). Most a bit older than me
although there are a few my age and mainly they are from Australia with
quite a lot from Melbourne.

This afternoon I think we are going for a ride around in the zodiacs not
necessarily to go ashore though. Just to check out the icebergs etc
from the water. This morning's venture on the zodiacs was pretty hairy.
Where the ship was anchored was quite choppy so getting down into the
zodiacs was not easy. A few people elected to stay behind because it
was a bit much for them. But once ashore, it was well worth it. So
pristine and pure and beautiful.

All in all the trip so far has been such a fantastic experience. Can't
wait to tell you all about it when I return... and show off my pickies.