After a night punctuated by a couple of choppy spells, we woke for our early start at Cape Horn to a grey, drizzly morning. The sea where we were anchored did not appear to be overly rough. As we waited, kitted up in wet gear and life-jackets, it was clear that it was quite windy. The wet abated while we were waiting for the crew were deciding whether we could land or not. The decision was made and we were ferried off to the foot of the cliff in the bay where the ship was. Then, 157 steps later, we were at the cliff top and exposed to what was then a stiff breeze. More steps and walkways took us up to the monument; then down from there to go up to the lighthouse on the Cape (more steps). Also, next to the lighthouse is a small wooden chapel. By now the wind was getting stronger and the crew members were trying to get everyone back to the ship. On a good day, one is probably allowed a little more time here - but with the wind, it was easy to see why the sea South of the Cape is one of the most treacherous in poor weather.
When all were back on board, we motored across Nassau Bay and, whilst we were watching a screening of Shackleton's ill fated trip on the Endeavour, we were able to participate in sensurround as the ship was pitching and rolling well by then. We had a couple of hours of running through the heavy swell and a number of guests 'retired' to their quarters. We survived.
In calmer waters, we went to Wulaia Bay and did a walk up through the beech forest there to a viewpoint that looked out over the bay where Darwin had landed.
From there we motored up toward Ushuaia, where we would be landing tomorrow morning.
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