The Journey Home

CLICK HERE: TODAY'S PHOTO ALBUM  

CLICK HERE: VOYAGE MAP

CLICK HERE: ANTARCTICA DEC 10-20,2019: THE MOVIE  -.MP4  (for pc)

CLICK HERE: ANTARCTICA DEC 10-20,2019: THE MOVIE - .MOV (for Apple)

Woke up back in port in Ushuaia.  As you can image, a great deal of hustle and bustle.  Since our group was the first to disembark, Kate and I had coffee and a light breakfast in the cabin thinking it would save time.  We missed the buffet upstairs.  I'm a bit sorry for that. I would've liked to have said some more good-byes to people.  I have lots of contact information and hopefully, will stay in touch with some folks.  But you know how that works out.  We'll see.  As it turned out, we got off the ship all right, but the bus had to wait around for some who weren't as considerate.

It was a very long day of airports, lines, planes, etc. etc.  Ushuaia airport was fine just a bit slow.

Steve McCurry and his wife, Andie along with his photog assistant were on our flight.  If I didn't mention it earlier -- Steve is most famous for his photograph of the "Afghan Girl", which was on the cover of the National Geographic in 1984.  We have exchanged contact info.  I am hoping he comes out with a book of this trip to Antarctica.  That would be something to have.

The views leaving Ushuaia were beautiful.  The volcanic mountains of Terra del Feugo.  However, it was pouring rain when we landed in Buenos Aires.   We had a very long walk between the domestic and international terminals.  Eventually we got to the United counted which didn't open till 7pm.  It was only around 4:30.  Settled into a Starbucks and waited.  By the time we got checked in and made our way to the United lounge my toe

was not very happy.  Swollen and oozing it was time to call the doctor!  For no charge, a medical team came up and re-wrapped the toe.  From there, I was wheeled to the gate. Oy vey!! I was told that a wheelchair would be waiting for me in Houston.

The flight although a bit bumpy was fine.  Had a light dinner, watched a movie, and slept.  I didn't have too much time to connect to Boston, especially since we had to go through customs.  Kate had even less time.  What came next was literally an airport nightmare.

There was a wheelchair for me but no "pusher".  After a long wait someone finally came to push.  Then I got transferred to the big 9 people cart and waited for more handicappers. Finally we started moving and I thought "Good this is it - we're on our way to customs".  Not so fast.  We ended up in a queue with, I can't tell you how many people carts there were but it was several filled with folks with canes and walkers and you get the picture.  This was going to take forever.  I got out of the cart hobbled right up to the desk, demanded my boarding pass, and hobbled on over to customs.  With Global Entry, I went right through but the line  going through TSA was huge - no pre-check here.  With my foot throbbing, I took the skyway to terminal C.  The United lounge was right there.  Went in sat down, put my foot up and took a deep breath.  Had time for a quick cup of coffee and I had to get over to Gate 9 from Gate 1.  Houston airport is ridiculously large - the gates are miles apart.  This wasn't going to be fun.  And then..... I spotted a sign "Need Help?"  Yes indeed.  There sat a group of wheelchairs with "pushers'!!!  I was escorted by a lovely woman who even waited while I made a stop at the restroom.  Phew!  I was on my last leg - literally.

I sat next to a lovely woman originally from Nantucket, now living in Texas, who is visiting her daughter in Mashpee.  We had a nice chat and I found out she used to do a lot of cycling.  She has even done the NYC Bike the 5 Boroughs tour twice.  Exchanged info - maybe I'll paths will cross again.  Landed in Boston 20 minutes early.

Geoff was waiting at the baggage claim and I was ever so happy to see him.  The traffic was horrendous.  Got home, took a shower, and settled in to watch the Patriots clinch the AFC East. Immediately feel asleep.....

We had an extraordinary adventure and I am so happy I went and so happy to be home.  Thanks to Kate and everyone along the way.  Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Now on to the next one.....

CLICK HERE: TODAY'S PHOTO ALBUM

CLICK HERE: VOYAGE MAP

CLICK HERE: ANTARCTICA DEC 10-20,2019: THE MOVIE

NOTE:   I have uploaded the movie on my Google Drive.  It's a mov file, so you might need to convert for viewing.