We successfully got our last passengers off – although a day early, as fog was rolling in for the next few days and there was a possibility to get them back to Punta Arenas. We are able to round up most of our passengers and our new guest scientists to come early as well. However one arrived later in Punta Arenas, so we waited at Frei station. However as some doors are closed others are opened and the wait proved to be an amazing one. On sunday morning nearly everyone went ashore to visit the russian church. they arrived as the Priest and the assistant priest were leaving. They were invited in and after a tour and talking, invited to the bell tower and were treated to an incredible concert by Dennis, the assistant priest. We then invited them to dinner. After lunch we then walked over to the chinese station – the great wall station. We couldn’t go inside, but we got to chat with two logistics guys and see their ceremonial bell / gong, as well as other bits of memorabilia outside. We then returned and along the walk saw fantastic moss, lichen and chinstrap penguins. We concluded our day with a great dinner onboard with our new russian friends – the priest, his assistant, and the radio man. What an incredible dinner, filled with song, stories and new friendships.
Today the 5% chance of landing, luckily happened and we now have Udo onboard and are sitting in Yankee harbor ready to explore tomorrow.
– Laura
