Laguna del Carbón: Tick!!!!

Yes!!!! We made it to the lowest point in South America!!!

We set out early (enough) from El Calafate and started off on Ruta 9, a good gravel road. We really did feel like being away from it all; in the 3,5 hours it took to drive it we saw 2 cars and a truck. We did see hundreds of guanacos (of the lama family) and ostriches. Every now and then we caught a glimpse of one of the Estancias (ranches) but most were too far from the road to see.

We got to Ruta 3, a proper road again, and continued on to Cmte. Luis Piedra Buena for lunch.

And then we set out from there to try and 'descend' to Laguna del Carbón. We had printed out maps with what we thought looked like possible tracks to the Laguna, and at which points to get off the main road. Turned out the one leading towards the gas plant was the one.

Naturally we found 2 locked gates.
I wasn´t going to let that stop me, and lo and behold someone at the plant opened the first gate for me. The extremely nice man listed to my explanation (in pretty poor Spanish) and not only did he understand where we wanted to go, he picked up the phone, called the owners of the land the Laguna is on, got us permission to proceed and opened the second gate for us!!!!
We couldn´t believe it!! (We had always suspected there would be a gate there). We were actually going to make it!!

And we did: it took a bit of skilled driving on Stephen´s part, but nothing hair raising. Our maps were just about spot on.
After about 45 minutes on dirt tracks later, we made it to Laguna del Carbón, at a delevation of -105m / -344ft, the lowest point in South America.

Oh, we did have one 'little moment of concern' when after we drove on the Laguna (it is a dry-ish lake) for a bit we noticed the tyres getting deeper into the salty mud... and for the briefest of moments the tyres spun as we tried to get out... but Stephen engaged the 4x4 and out we got. This was after all the number one reason we rented this Toyota hilux -:)

For me this means: 3 down, 4 to go!
So, naturally, I am very happy that it worked out, as for me this was probably the most important destination on this part of the trip!!!

Signing out from Puerto San Julián.

Perito Moreno Glacier

Wonderful day visiting Perito Moreno glacier. Fantastic! Imagine a 50m high, 5km wide glacier slowly crawling and calving its way into Lago Argentino. We walked around the various observation points in the late morning and took the obligatory boat ride to the glacier front in the afternoon. We shot the equivalent of 6 rolls of 36 exposure film on our digital cameras.

Tomorrow we head to Laguna del Carbòn in our first attempt at the South American low point. Wish us luck as we attempt this feat. Here are some photos.

Signing out of a very hot and not very windy El Calafate.

Arrived in El Calafate.

After 2,5 interesting (and hot and humid) days in Buenos Aires, we got up at 4 am this morning to catch our 6:40am flight to Rio Gallegos. Got to the regional airport without hassles, got checked-in (and paid our reasonable excess luggage fee) in record time, had breakfast, boarded our plane, and landed in Rio Gallegos after a 3 hour flight.
We were met by Adrian from Riestra Rental Cars, got our mean looking Toyota Hilux, checked out our hotel reservation for the 31st and were on the road towards El Calafate by 11:30.
The drive was good and the views got more interesting the closer we got to El Calafate. We caught our first glimpse of beautiful Lago Argentino just before 3pm and got to our hotel around 3:30pm. Checked in and went for a walk around town. Totally set up for tourism, what with everyone here wanting only one thing and that is to visit the Glaciers, with the Perito Moreno Glacier spanning the crown. And that's what we're doing tomorrow.

Greetings from El Calafate, Argentina.

Enjoying Buenos Aires

Had a lovely day yesterday walking about the city.  The streets were quiet and hot.  We found the high-end shopping district, fortunately (or unfortunately) they were all closed, being Christmas day.  Today we visit the Recoleta Cemetery, San Telmo and La Boca.  Cameras are ready for the sights.

Signing off in a very warm Buenos Aires

And here are some photos

Arrived in Argentina

After a long but uneventful flight we arrived in Argentina.  Today we are just relaxing and enjoying the warm weather.  Maybe it is a little too warm here.  Caroline conspired to leave the only key to the locks of our luggage back in San Francisco, which provided a moment concern for us.  Which was soon remedied with some expert lock picking on my part.  I have never picked a lock before, but 1 paper-clip and a little less than 5 minutes and access to our luggage was restored.  Tonight we restaurant, open christmas presents and sleep off the jetlag.

Getting Ready to Leave

Caroline is in the middle of packing everything for our trip South.  I am helping with lots of good advice and keeping out of her hair.  Tomorrow we board the flight to Houston where we connect for the long flight to Buenos Aires.  And then the vacation starts in earnest.  We spend 3 days in Buenos Aires and 4 days in Patagonia.  After the blitz tour of Argentina we board the ship to Antarctica.

The plan will be to post an update every few days or so.

Bermuda.

Kristin left NY on the afternoon of October 12th (see previous post); I checked into the Newark Airport Hilton that evening, where I was was joined by Stephen early the next morning. He'd just flown in on the red-eye from San Francisco.
After breakfast we went back to EWR to check in for our flight to Bermuda.

We arrived on the Island in the afternoon and took a taxi to the Fairmont Southampton Hotel. After checking in we sat down for a snack in the lobby restaurant and then we went for an evening stroll on Horseshoe Bay Beach.
On returning to our room to change for dinner, we found champagne and chocolate dipped strawberries, courtesy of the hotel. Very much appreciated! I had booked our stay there under my name so for the duration we were Mr and Mrs Diericx - very funny! Late evening dinner at Bacci's.

The next day we walked along the Bermuda Railway Trail from the hotel to Somerset Village, about 10-11km. Much more pleasant than walking along the narrow roads with hardly any footpaths and lots of traffic. Had a drink in Somerset Village and caught a delightfully pink bus back.
Relaxed at the hotel and had a light meal.
At 7:15pm we were all dressed and ready for our 10th Wedding Anniversary dinner in the Waterlot Inn Restaurant. Very nice.

Up till now we had had gorgeous weather but on the morning of the 15th we woke up to rain. Not too worry, this was the day we shifted to Hamilton. We arranged to be able to store our luggage in the Fairmont Hamilton until our next accommodation arrived in town. By the time we got to Hamilton the rain had just about let up. Walked around Bermuda's capital for a while, had coffee,... not much to the place really. Enjoyed afternoon tea at the Fairmont and then got word that The World was docking.
Headed over to the passenger Terminal and as soon as she was cleared we went on board our accommodation for the next 2 days. Alison was there to welcome us.
We all 3 enjoyed champagne and our second anniversary dinner together.

Up in time for breakfast on board the next morning and then on the bus to visit the historic Town of St. George. Quaint little place. Lovely weather again.
Dinner on board The World that evening.

On the 17th we relaxed on board and got ready to go back home. Off to the airport around 2pm and back home in San Francisco just before midnight!

All in all a very nice getaway!

photos

New York, NY.

I spent a lovely long weekend in New York with Kristin and Alison.

This was Kristin's and mine first weekend away together since she had Viggo. We stayed with Alison on The World.  It was all about catching up and being together, and, of course some shopping; we were after all in New York.

New York Photos

The photos.

Wow! What a trip! What a rush!

I left home in San Francisco on July 30th, visited 8 countries in just under 6 weeks (I must be turning into a good American!) and arrived back home on August 6th.
Naturally I took lots of photos (2300), of which I decided to put selections in albums per country. Some of these will still be pretty hefty, but then again... you can always just look at the thumbnails!

I started in London where I stayed with Heleen. We enjoyed walks in the City, Holland beating Brazil and Uruguay, a concert of Snowboy at Cannizaro Festival, where we were joined by Silvia and Wayne.
On 5/6 July I made a little trip to Doncaster to catch up with my long time friend Bruce. I also met his wife Ann and our (Stephen's and mine) godson, Sonny.

England

On July 7th I flew from London to Lisbon where I met Kristien at the airport. Together we boarded the ship that would take us from Lisbon to Bordeaux over the course of 7 days. Sightseeing in Lisbon, Hendaye and Bordeaux, where we were for the 14 of July fireworks on the Garonne river. We took the train from Bordeaux to Brussel Zuid on July 15.

Lisbon to Bordeaux

I was met in the station in Brussel by Gina and Sven and stayed with them for 2 days. We visited Mechelen and Grimbergen. Sofia and Steven joined us for dinner in Humbeeck.
On July 18th I arrived in Eeklo to spend time with my mum and brother, family and friends.

Belgium

On July 24th I boarded a plane to Frankfurt. I found Stephen in the lounge at the airport and a little later we flew onto St Petersburg together. We spent 3 lovely days of sightseeing and walking around together. And boy was it hot... Russian heatwave...
Stephen's Mt Elbrus adventure started on the 28th and I took off to my next destination.

St Petersburg

In Tel Aviv I was met at the airport by Hilde. I spent the first night at Yaron's parents' in RishonLeZion. On the 29th Hilde and I took the bus to Jerusalem. Walked around the Old City walls and did a 2 hour bus tour of the city.
The next day we took off on our 3day/2night trip to Jordan. The Ancient Roman City of Jerash was impressive; the absolute highlight was without a doubt Petra.
On Aug 1st we arrived back in Jerusalem. Spent the 2nd sightseeing and made it to the lowest point on the surface of Earth on the 3rd, The Dead Sea (incidentally the same day that Stephen made it to the top of Mt Elbrus).
On the 4th I went to Tel Aviv for the day and the 5th I flew to London where, on the 6th, I caught my flight back home.
No need to say it was also very hot in Israel and Jordan but I actually enjoyed the heat; so much so that I dreaded getting back to San Francisco's notoriously cold summer!

Israel

Jordan

So here are the photos, I know there are quite a lot, but it was quite a trip!
Enjoy!

Caroline.

Success on Mt. Elbrus

Sorry for the delay in posting, but Internet is not that reliable here in Russia. The good news is that I successfully summited the highest peak in Europe, being Mt. Elbrus at 5,642 meters.

Today I spent the day touring Moscow is some the hottest weather Moscow has ever recorded and in smoke conditions that have never been seen before. So, did not get to see all the sites.

Tomorrow I head back to San Francisco and work. The vacation is now basically over.

Stephen

Aug 5: From Tel Aviv airport

What a rush this trip has been!
And it's coming to an end. Flying to London today where I'll overnight at the LHR Hilton to then catch my flight home to San Francisco tomorrow.

On Tuesday, Aug 3, Hilde en Yaron took me to the Dead Sea. So the day I was floating at the lowest point on earth, Stephen summited the highest point in Europe!
We also visited the ancient city of Masada.
Yesterday I spent most of the day in Tel Aviv. Walked to the old port city of Jaffa. Went out for an evening stroll through the city as well.

Home again tomorrow.

Caroline

Aug 2: Back in Jerusalem

Petra.

Words do not do it justice. It really was an 'Indiana Jones moment'!!!
Absolutely amazing!!!! The long narrow canyon (Siq) leading to the Treasury (that Indy facade carved in the rocks)... and much, much more!!!!We were lucky with the weather: a dust cloud blew in from somewhere (I think someone mentioned Syria) which obscured the bright sun, meaning we didn't have to walk around in the blazing heat - it was only 36/40C, much better than the 45-50C normal for this time of year there!

Hilde and I booked a 3day/2night tour in Jordan and we had 2 nice travel companions from Australia. Our driver and also guide at some locations, Marwan, was simply the best!

We also saw Jerash, 'Little Petra', Amman, Madaba, Mt Nebo, and a few more sites/sights along the way.

I arrived back in Jerusalem last night and have enjoyed staying in the wonderful 'American Colony Hotel'.

Today I wandered around the Old City of Jerusalem and visited The Ethiopean Monastery, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Western or Wailing Wall, Mamilla Arcade, happened upon lots of churches (in different religions) and much more... and just walked around the wonderfully narrow streets.

Tomorrow my friends Hilde and Yaron are taking me to the Dead Sea.

Greetings from Jerusalem,
Caroline.

Ready to head up the hill

All is well on the trip. The team is great. We have spent the last two days hiking the local hills. Tommorrow we start the 4 day climb to Mt. Elbrus. Weather has been great for the last two days Wish me luck and keep your fingers crossed for continued good weather.

July 30: Jerusalem to Jordan today.

I arrived at Tel Aviv airport 2 days ago and spent the first night in Rishon. Took the bus to Jerusalem yesterday and spent the day walking around the old city and took a bus tour. Found a nice pub at night.
Today I'm off on my 3day/2night trip to Jordan, with Hilde. First stop: the border, then Petra and then Amman.
Back to Jerusalem after that.

Caroline.

Heading South

Caroline and I enjoyed the last three days being tourists in St Petersburg. We hit all the major sites and left just enough to justify a return visit, when it is not quite as hot. Tomorrow I fly South to the mountains and Caroline flies South to Israel.

Signing out from the Korovabar.

July 24: Last morning in Eeklo, Belgium

Wow, it's already my last morning in Eeklo, Belgium. In an hour and a half Stefaan will be here to take me to the airport. Off to the next part of my adventure: St Petersburg, Russia. Flight is via Frankfurt where I will arrive about the same time as Stephen and we will then board the same plane to St Petersburg.

Since London I have been to Lisbon (Potugal), Hendaye (France), Hondarribia(Spain) and Bordeaux (France) with Kristien. Had a great time and saw a lot.
In Belgium I stayed with Gina and Sven in Humbeek (visited Mecelen and Grimbergen) and then with Sofia and Steven in Schaarbeek, before heading to Eeklo (via a bbq at Sofia's brother's in Mariakerke).
Caught up with family and friends over drinks, dinner, a bbq and lots of mussels and bread/fries. Did my (compulsory) shopping: clothes and strips - no more space for speculaas and chokotoffs unfortunately.

So now my bags are packed again and my next stop will earn me a new 'tick' on the list of countries visited (so did Portugal).... catching up with Stephen :-)

Hopefully we will have internet access in St Petersburg,
signing off for now
from Eeklo.

Caroline.

July 7th - from the BMI Lounge at LHR

The first week of my trip went by very fast indeed!

Stayed and caught up with good friends in London, enjoyed an afternoon picnic and concert of 'Snowbow' at the Cannizaro Festival Close to Wimbledon Common, saw lots of orange people during Holland's matches against Brazil and Uruguay, quick side trip to Doncaster to see more friends, and, as usual: good weather when I'm here! All ingredients for a lovely stay in London!

Currently in the lounge at LHR, waiting for my flight to Lisbon.
Depending on internet availability, more from there in the next few days,

Caroline.

Off to London

Well, it's here my '7 countries in 5,5 weeks trip'! Should be good!
Flight seems to be on time so will be ringing for a taxi in a short while.

Looking forward to catching up with friends in London!

caroline.

All set for our upcoming trip.

Now that we've got our Russian visas we are all set for our upcoming European (and then some) trip.
All but for a few issues with adding me to Stephen's room in our hotel in St Petersburg, Russia. Nothing that we won't be able to sort out once in the hotel though.

Stephen has stepped up the training for his upcoming Mt Elbrus Mountaineering Expedition. Mt Elbrus is the highest peak in Europe and therefore one of the 7 Summits. One more to go after this: Mt Kosciusko in Australia. Yes... there is debate about that, but I was always taught that Australia is a continent (not Oceania). Stephen can do Carstensz Pyramid later, should he wish to do so.
Stephen leaves on July 23rd to arrive in St Petersburg on July 24th. He will be back home on August 8th.

I leave on June 30th to arrive in the UK on July 1st. My week there will be mostly spent in London, with an overnight train trip to Doncaster.
On July 7 I fly to Lisbon, Portugal where I will be joined be a friend. We will spend a few days there and then make our way to Bordeaux, France. From there we will take a train to Brussels on July 15.

After one week in Belgium with family and friends I will take off to join Stephen for 4 days in St Petersburg. I booked our flights such that in Frankfurt we will board the same plane!

On July 28th Stephen's expedition starts for real and I will board a plane to Tel Aviv. I will spend a few days in Jerusalem and together with a friend will go on a side trip to Amman and Petra in Jordan.

On August 5th I fly back to London from where I will catch my flight back home to San Francisco the next day.

We will post updates during our trip here whenever we have access to email.

Caroline.

Getting Ready for our 2010 European Vacation

On June 30th Caroline will be off to UK, Portugal, France, Belgium, Russia, Israel, Jordan, UK. Stephen leaves on July 23rd to Mt Elbrus in Russia. When we get a chance we will post updates to this blog.