Mark & Kim World Travels: Crossing the Drake Passage

November 4

Today was "the day" that you never know about - crossing of the infamous Drake Passage - the open waters that separate the southern most tip of South America from the outer Antarctica Peninsula. Sometimes, smooth as glass....most other times, rough seas ahead mateys. Sorry for us to tell you it was worse than rough seas. Poor Kim, never got out of bed all day today after a L-O-N-G night with the rolling of the ship. I was "uneasy" or maybe a better word would be "anxious" all night long and was up a couple times to sit and be on my computer as I felt "more comfortable" than laying in bed. There was a mandatory meeting at 9 in the morning and I thought I'd go. Weaved my way down the passage swerving from one side to the other with the ship's motion and holding on to the rails and walls. Thought I'd be one of a couple dozen to feel good enough to make it to the Aula (the big theatre-like meeting area).....but no, the place was nearly full. At the meeting our Expedition Director, Marc, went through the rules and regulations of going to and on the continent and then explained about the use of the ship's "toys" as he called them :)

Expedition Leader Marc addresses the crowd

The Viking Polaris' "toys" - submarines (2), special operation boats, the "bread and butter" of the operations - the zodiacs, the kayaks, and hiking

Learning the international rules & regs as developed by the IOAA

Did you know....you cannot pick up anything from the continent, not even a pebble?

AND when we come back on the ship we have to have our boots washed down so as not to carry particles onto or off of the ship

What we can expect on our journey through Antarctica

The rest of the day I had to get our boots for the trip and was able to get streaming video of the 2022 Breeders' Cup Future Stars Friday card. For the day I had six selections, only scored with one. BUT, TwinSpires was running a "VIP promotion" where if you bet a horse to win - in any race at Keeneland on Friday or Saturday - and you ran 2nd or 3rd, you would get your wager refunded up to $20. So in four of the other five races I ran 2nd or third. So for the day I had six bets, "cashed" on five of them and had a clear profit of a little under $10......all the while cruising to Antarctica! Wow, the wonders of technology :)