It was my last day in Ushuaia. I dropped my luggage for the Plancius check-in which was conveniently close to my bedsit & one of the reasons for choosing this bedsit. I spent the rest of the morning sending emails: as I didn't intend to pay the expensive wifi connectivity charges once we were at sea. I had been able to arrange a late checkout from the bedsit and that gave me a couple of hours to have a look around the Bahia Encerrada Urban Nature Reserve, which is a large lake on the edge of the town & the docks. There was a selection of the commoner Ushuaia species to keep me & the camera occupied, until it was time to head to the dock to board the Plancius.
The Bahia Encerrada Urban Nature Reserve: It provides sanctuary for Wildfowl & other wetland species on the edge of the town
The Bahia Encerrada Urban Nature Reserve: It is only a short walk from the edge of town
Night Heron: Adult. This is the obscurus subspecies which occurs from North Chile & North-central Argentina to Tierra del Fuego
Crested Duck: This is the nominate specularioides subspecies which occurs from central Chile & Argentina to Tierra del Fuego & the Falkland Islands
Red Shoveler: This monotypic species occurs from South Peru & South Brazil to Tierra del Fuego & the Falkland Islands
Yellow-billed Pintail: This is the spinicauda subspecies which occurs from the highlands of South Colombia to Tierra del Fuego & the Falkland Islands. The other subspecies is the nominate subspecies which is endemic to South Georgia
Southern Lapwing: This is the fretensis subspecies which occurs in Southern Chile & Argentina
Dolphin Gull: Adult. This monotypic species occurs on the coasts of South Chile & Argentina, as well as, the Falkland Islands
Kelp Gull: Adult. This is the nominate dominicanus subspecies which occurs in the coastal South of South America, the Falklands, South Georgia, Australia & New Zealand
South American Tern: This monotypic species occurs along the coasts & islands of the South of South America & the Falkland Islands
South American Tern: The bright red bill and clean appearance identify it from Antarctic Terns or wintering Common & Arctic Terns
It was getting close to the boarding time, so I walked down to the port to await confirmation that we can board.
Plancius (right) & her sister ship, Ortelius look small compared to the large cruise ship
It's always good to get on board quickly as it provides the chance to choose the bunk for the next few weeks. I got to my four berth cabin to find Bill, an American traveller, had already boarded & he had selected one of the lower berths: I chose the other. Finally, Steve Preddy & the fourth cabin mate, Alexi appeared. Bunks agreed & bags stowed, it was time to head to the top deck to watch our departure.
Plancius: My home for the next 19 days. It was good to be back onboard her
