Well, I’ve been wearing the little patch behind my ear, and even took 1/2 Dramamine before sleep and no problems at all. We’re at Cape Horn, and the seas are a bit rough. We meet at 7 am in the skylounge and receive final instructions before boarding the zodiacs to our landing/walk on Cape Horn. All goes very smoothly and we climb the old wooden stairs that wind steeply up the side of the small, lopsided, vertiginous isle. Due to gale force winds (over 40 knots per hour), the lighthouse is closed, but we march gamely across the boards (protecting the natural flora and fauna) toward the monument, which is a metal sculpture made to portray an albatross, the sailor’s friend (and I’ve always thought of it in its negative terms).
Along the way, a dark grey mass quickly heads toward us. Before we can point to it, there is rain falling and then little icy balls (hail) piercing our skin with the high wind. I did fall once, but no harm done. We get up to the monument, take a couple of pictures, and admire the view (the storm departs as quickly as it arrives). Ironically, on our way back down the steps, the sun is out and everything warms quickly.
Zodiac back to the boat, strip off my life preserver (must be worn on every zodiac ride), extra layers and rubber boots. Down to the dining salon to eat a hearty breakfast. There’s a chat on the afternoon excursion, but I opt to sleep through it. Some cribbage and rough seas, and then lunch is on! Everyone in the dining salon enjoys watching when one of the big waves crashes on the 5′ high windows – like we’re in a car wash – and I appreciate the fact that the boat is gently rolling and that my ear patch is working so well.
I head back to the cabin for a post-lunch nap. I just feel so drowsy, it must be the patch (that’s listed as one of the possible side effects), or maybe it’ shuts working off accumulated fatigue from everything that’s gone on earlier in the trip. I don’t care why…just can enjoy being out on the sea. It’s a cool experience for me. I always think of Horatio Hornblower when asea.
Waves remained higher than any of us prefer until about 4, when we entered back into the Beagle Channel and protection from land (islets) on both sides. The 4:30 excursion was moved to 5:15, and no matter what, I’m not going. There’s a choice of a more difficult hike up, along with a lecture, or an easier coastal walk to perhaps site some wildlife. The Galapagos scratched that itch for me, so relaxing on board was my choice!