Still in middle of Drake’s Passage while writing this at 3pm. Well, I was hoping to experience a little more of the harsh side of Drake’s reputation during our return voyage to Ushuaia. I’m sure you’ll get the color of our “Storm” event from many other Bloggers……..here’s just the facts. First Google the Beaufort Wind Scale (with corresponding sea state codes)……so you can follow along. This is the scale where you’ll overhear a person talking about going through a horrid sea storm that was a Force 8,10, etc. rating. Lowest barometric pressure during most intense part of storm was 975 mbar. At one point sustained winds were just over 105 mph. Beaufort scale is actually a 0 to 12 scale…….we went thru a Force 12 storm. At Force 12 here are the characteristics of the worst possible storm one can experience at sea: *Effects observed far from land: air filled with foam and sea spray, sea completely white, visibility greatly reduced. *World Meteorological Organization classifies a Beaufort Force 12 storm as a Hurricane. *Sea State Code under the Beaufort scale during a Force 12 storm is the highest level (9)!! Under the nine code…rather than Beaufort going into detail to describe what the sea is like at this level (swell size, wave size, etc.) rather it simply says Code 9 seas are “Phenomenal”. Cheers….Peter

The sea did not make us the favor this time. I guess the Drake Passage wants to confirm its reputation, showing us all its greatness. 40-45 nautical miles wind & 10m high waves, making the MV Ushuaia (and us of-course) rolling like crazy in the middle of the ocean. Sea sickness dominates amongst the expeditioners, with few of us managing to stand up. I spent the whole night in the lounge, feeling safer comparing to my cabin. Trying to get some sleep in the 1,5 feet couch with all kinds of objects flying around you is not the ideal, but luckily I managed to get a couple of hours nap. Peter, Virginie & Marjan were somewhere around throughout the night, with Virginie “managing” to fall of her couch twice, ending to continue her sleep on the floor. Endless hours of being inactive give the green light to thousands of thoughts crossing your mind. Realizing what we have been exposed to during the last days. Thinking of what actions can you make to make this trip worth.

Team Inspire, Team Inspire, Team Inspire! Bronco 5 in the lounge area for disembarkation briefing!

Can’t wait to get back home ….