South America - part 10 (Drake Passage & Cape Horn)

Wednesday 21^st January – Drake Passage

Finally - the notorious Drake Passage! At first I thought that if the weather conditions stayed like they were, we would get off lightly but it did get worse as the day went on. We woke late at 9.30, having to tell Ricardo to come back later to service the cabin. After a light breakfast in the Lido buffet we went to a talk on the construction of the South Pole Traverse by one of our Antarctic team. Had a quick look in the shop and attended the day’s draw before having lunch, again in the Lido. Aside from occasional sushi I usually have a roll made up for lunch. We had a chat with the future cruise consultant before attending the question & answer session with senior officers in the Mondrian Theatre.

 

I went for a rest before showering and washing my hair - not fun with waves now crashing over the top-deck gym windows! - for our second formal night. After dinner I had an invitation to the Red Carpet Mirabella jewellery event - uhmm - tempting!! Bed after the show.

Thursday 22nd January – Cape Horn

Woke and got up at 8.30am. Had a quick breakfast and went to join the birdwatchers at the stern of Deck 3. I stayed out all morning taking photos of the sea lions, imperial cormorants, and lots of Peale's Dolphins. When the Chilean pilot boat came out there were dolphins riding the bow wave and wake. They played in the surf until the boat left with them following. The I rushed up to Deck 6 for a different photo angle on yet more dolphins. The water was so clear you could see them under the water as well as leaping out in joyful abandon.

 

The closer we got to Cape Horn the windier the decks became. We grabbed a salad roll and drink in the Lido before going to the more sheltered Deck 3 to watch as we sailed past this most famous landmark.

 

 

 

First the lighthouse came into view then the high rugged headland itself. The winds were tremendous with huge rolling seas. A small yacht was spotted crossing in the opposite direction – glad I wasn’t on board her! Finally after sailing from the Atlantic Ocean into the Pacific Ocean the captain announced he would try to turn Zaandam 180 degrees and sail back past. It didn't work! The engines were at full throttle and the ship taking a huge strain. She heeled over and we clung to the railings as we managed 90 degree of turn before the wind forced us back.

 

Admitting defeat the captain ordered the decks cleared of people and we went at full speed round the Cape and island instead. We walked up to the Crows Nest to watch but the mist and spray blocked much of the view. Went to the Team Trivia - winning again. After a short rest we got changed and went for dinner. After dinner we caught the end of What am I? in the theatre before turning in.

 

While we were undressing in the cabin, we saw such a lovely sunset on the TV bridgecam we grabbed coats and rushed to the Prom deck for photos, just in time to see the Chilean immigration people arrive as well.

 

Bed as we have an early start tomorrow.