Posts in the Remote Places Category

March 10, 2007

The South Pole Part tres: Seal Attacks, The Antarctic Circle, and Smooth Sailing

I love seals.  They are pretty much my favorite animal. Maybe it is because seals are so much like dogs. Although, they smell quite a bit worse than dogs. Like penguins, they spend much of their time at sea eating.  Sitting on the decks of the ship we would occasionally see a seal stick his head up, look around, take a quick breath, and then head back down into the depths.

We saw fur seals, crab eater seals, leopard seals, and weddle seals on this trip. On one of the islands I was charged by a fur seal. Given my big and slugish stature on land I am lucky that seals are even  bigger and slower. The picture below is the little guy who charged me. I think I woke him up trying to take his picture.

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Popularity: 11% [?]

Antarctica (2007), Remote Places, South American Trip (2007), Top Life Travel Experiences, Wildlife Tours Comments( 5 )
February 20, 2007

Almost the End of the Earth–Ushuaia, Argentina

I have spent much of the last few days recovering from Torres Del Paine. I am at about 95% and just about ready for my next adventure.

So far the weather in Ushuaia has been a delightful mix of rain, high winds, and more rain. The actual city is situated on an island in Tierra Del Fuego and the Beagle channel runs right in front of the city. I am currently sitting in a crappy internet cafe in the southern most city in the entire world. Due to its geographical position, Ushuaia serves as a launching pad for most Antarctic expeditions and thrives from a bustling maritime economy. Over 172 years ago, Charles Darwin sailed right by here while developing his evolutionary theories aboard the Beagle. I am going to go ahead and guess that the weather was similar in 1833 as well. Ushuaia is an interesting mix of tourist trap and shantytown. On one hand, it comes complete with high end shopping, a casino,  and nice restaurants. On the other hand, the houses look like they are ready to topple over at any second. The next stiff breeze could send this entire town into shambles.

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Popularity: 20% [?]

Argentina, Patagonia, Remote Places, South American Trip (2007) Comments( 5 )