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 Estimated reading time: 6 min. |
  Marcelo Sola |
DAY 1
Early in the morning we will make out the lonely coast of the Island. The expedition cruise will approach the island through its eastern side till it reaches Franklin Bay. Once there, she will head for the Northeast, bordering the island irregular topography up to Crossley Bay, where the first landing will take place. |
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Staten Island holds a universal and exceptional value as it represents a post glacial landscape par excellence. Due to the existing scarce human activity, this is an area of considerable significance for the study of the ecological processes that take place in its terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems.
It is likely that biologists and scientists would join the expedition to take advantage of the landings in order to gather samples of coastal sediments or to control the line base of hydrocarbons and heavy metals of the region.
It is time for the first landing, therefore we will be provided with a safety jacket which has a carbon dioxide large bottle that would become activated through a device in case we fell into the water. Otherwise, the life-jacket will remain deflated granting comfort and security at the time of the landing.
We will also have to wear boots, only during the landings so as not to alter the habitat that we will be visiting. At the end of each landing, these boots will be disinfected so that we do not transport the possible sediment of the island that is adhered onto the soles.
Once everything is arranged, we will make use of the operations explained during the lecture about safety until we get on the zodiac inflatable boats, which will be commanded by Antarpply Expeditions’ experimented drivers. |
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At the end of the XIXth Century, Commander Luis Piedrabuena developed in this bay an interesting activity related to the hunting of the South American fur seal. Piedrabuena introduced red deer, goats and European rabbits in the region, which reproduced with the passing of time. A faithful reflection of this event is the fact that the front of the coastal forest is retreating because of the strong presence of these herbivores.
Furthermore, the expedition leader will show us an archeological site dating from over 1,500 years BC, which points out the existence of human presence of the Haush Indians who inhabited the eastern part of Tierra del Fuego. Haush Indians called this Island “Chuanisin”, a word that in their native yámana language meant “land of abundance”. |
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After going over this interesting sector, we will return to the zodiac boats that will lead us back to the vessel, to continue with this exciting voyage.
The Ushuaia will navigate the northern part of the island. We will notice the remarkable dramatic quality of the scenery with its uneven and irregular coasts that form fiords, coves and bays, which grant a wide range of habitats for coastal species.
During this voyage you will have the chance to see rockhopper penguins, magellanic penguins, striated caracaras and cinclodes, as well as sea-gulls, terns, steamerducks and cormorants. |
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Among the mammals we should point out the presence of the South American fur seal, especially because Staten Island counts with the greatest number of colonies of this species in Argentina, sea lions and the ratón de los guindales (Abrothrix xanthorhinus llanoi), sole native terrestrial mammal registered as exclusive from this Island.
Besides, Staten Island has a special value for the conservation of two species of endangered otters: huillín (Southern river otter - Lutra provocax) and chungungo (Marine otter - Lontra feline), since at the moment it would be the only site in the Argentine Republic where both coexist in likeable form.
The vessel will enter San Antonio Bay, calling in at Port Parry, where she will go inland so that we can have a coastal view differing much from the previous one at Port Crossley.
In this region you will appreciate the landscape dominated by mountains covered with an exuberant evergreen forest which falls abruptly into the sea. The pristine atmosphere, added to the attractiveness of this area, is the result of its adverse climatic conditions and its wild seas which have set a landmark in the history of the navigation and the exploration of the Southern Atlantic Ocean.
After a few more minutes of contemplation, Antarpply Expeditions’ adventurers will set out again maintaining the same course. The night will provide us shelter: a delicious supper, games and the comments about the intense day that we have just lived will be sufficient to fall into a repairing sleep. Our next destination will be the End of the World Lighthouse. |
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Antarpply
Gobernador Paz 1078 (9410) Ushuaia - Tierra del Fuego - Argentina
Tel/Fax: +54 2901 43-3636
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