Sunburst over Ushuaia.

I am not accustomed to such an ample "top shelf."-- Safety Briefing

A view of the M/V Polar Star bow as we head through Drake's Passage. Although there is a bit of pitch and roll with waves over the bow, the crew says it is remarkably calm, referring to it as "Drake Lake."

Is sitting in the Captain's chair taking the ship's "open bridge policy" a little to far?

Third Officer Jerry plots our position the old fashioned way with a chart and spreaders.

Entering the Lemaire Channel, nicknamed "Kodak Gap." It is a bit foggy this day.

Looking up at the bridge from the bow as we cruise through the Lemaire Channel.

Polar Expeditions provides all passengers with their own red waterproof jacket, which is why we all look like clones.

My first wildlife spotting in Antarctica other than the sea birds that follow the ship.

"Bow riders" -- Steve, who rode his motorcycle down from Panama, Gisella from Boston, and my roommate Lynn from Melbourne, Aust.

First stop, Petermann Island. This is an old abandoned Argentinean outpost.

My first penguin experience, Petermann Island