Well, we didn't get to start our 9 hr trip up the River Platt until around 5 AM because we had to wait for a dozen commercial vessels which were about 15-20 minutes apart, to clear the channel before the Coast Guard would declare it safe for us to go in. So now we will only arrive in Buenos Aeries until 2 PM instead of the original 7 AM. The ship has slowed down to 9-10 knots and is suffering from squat - which means that the ship rides lower in the water than normal so there is a small vibration or tremor that we can feel throughout the ship. In our case we are very close to the bottom of the river and have to stay in the middle where there is dredged channel - and apparently we only have a few feet clearance. That's why we could not enter the channel when the other ships were there. We are actually kicking up silt from the muddy river bottom with our propellers, so the joke is that we are helping to dredge the river as we go through. As a result of being late, the excursion team is trying to reorganize all the excursions, so we will have to wait and see how things turn out with the ones we had booked for today. The weather is good- slightly cloudy with the sun peaking out, 19C and the sun will set around 7.30 PM . Luckily we are able to dock here, so no waiting for tenders. We might just end up going into town if there is a shuttle at the port- there is also a free shuttle that takes you to the Stern jewelry factory and that is downtown as well, so if there is no shuttle we will see if we can take that one. We're going to have breakfast now, lunch on board, and then see how the day unfolds. \At 11.30 there is team trivia which Phil will go to. There are 2 extra exploration speaker presentations as well, and I will probably go to one of these. This is truly an adventure. More later today.
Feb 15th
Finally able to send email again. Did not send any in Buenos Aeries as we were all over the place, and in Montevideo and at sea the last 2 days the connection was very poor so could not really send anything. Will have to catch you up on the next sea day. All is well. Did not like Buenos Aeries, Montevideo was charming, very old colonial city. Bought a matte gourd, spoon and some matte (tea) there. Will show you when we get back, and you can have some. Dad and I went to the Pinnacle restaurant on board ship for Valentine's day-Dad had this huge steak, it took up 3/4 of his plate- must have been 10 ounces! Overall it was nice, very attentive service, more 'private' and quiet, which was nice, but frankly not worth the extra $ 50 . Will not go again. Dad is currently offshore looking for a post card to send. Yesterday we spent most of our time in the Botanical Garden here- it was beautiful- even Dad really liked it and that's saying something. Passed all the beaches but they are very crowed and a very bad place for pickpockets & stealing, so will not good for a swim. I have a migraine coming on, so it may not be a good idea to do too much today. We may just go for a walk around the old town which we can get to from the pier here. We'll see. Weather is beautiful- sunny and hot - about 28C. We are wearing 100 spf - did not get burned at all yesterday.
Anyway, gotta go. Time for lunch, then will see how we spend the rest of the day. have to be back on board by 4.30 today, so not really much time as it is already almost noon.
Hope all is well at home. Take care. Give Moosie a snuggle from us. Hope he is behaving better now.
Miss you all .
Love Mom & Dad
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