Antarctica is driest continent and we had no snow but there were strong winds at times.

Beth,and your fellow travelers, will have a fantastic adventure and hopefully great weather and smooth seas!

Dean, thanks for the link to your photos. They are great and good for revving me up for this trip.

Ted, I have a feeling this will be a great adventure and I know we all are hoping for wonderful weather and smooth sailing!!

You will go crazy with joy

Only a month and a half to go!!!! :banana: :banana: :banana:
What's the latest on dinner plans?

Also, what is the best way for me to get from the airport (EZE) to the Four Seasons? I'll be by myself (unless anyone else is coming in on AA from Dallas) and don't want to spend an outrageous amount of money but want something safe and reliable.

I caved in and bought a new wide angle lens for my camera. It should be delivered this week.

I've been tracking my ZODIAC docks as I am sure many of you are. Just saw that my package had arrived at my local FEDEX. I called the 800 number and found out that I can't pick them up (they are less than 2 miles from my house) and they won't be delivered until Tuesday. Now does that make sense to any of you? It has something to due with the type of delivery. Sounds just crazy to me. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: Can't roll my eyes back into my head far enough on this one. Waiting, waiting..................

Beth, same thing here; docs already at local distribution facility; however, I figure we don't leave for five weeks so plenty of time to get the docs the last couple of miles :D

So true, Marc, but it's just crazy for my docs to sit in a warehouse for 3 day. I could be devouring them over and over again this weekend!!

Mine have made the trip from Dallas to Memphis to Houston but I'm sure I won't see them for a few more days, darn!!

We went shopping last night and I am now fully covered for clothes. Doug has a bit more shopping to do. I can't believe the trip is almost here!!! See you all soon.

Our docs arrived yesterday (Sat) at the FedEx office. They are due to be delivered Tuesday.
I guess if you pay for 3 day delivery, that's what you get.
I would think that this time of year that they would want to move the boxes as quickly as possible to make room for the next batch. ie, if there is room on the truck, get it out of the warehouse asap.
I suppose that with the USPS in such a dire condition, FedEx doesn't need to 'wow' anyone with outstanding service.
'Meets Expectations' is the new gold standard.

Doug

Just checked on mine and the status reads "at Houston FedEx facility, package not due for delivery". So I guess they just let it sit. I had the opposite experience this past weekend with Amazon. I bought a camera on Friday, chose free Prime two day shipping thinking it wouldn't be delivered until Tuesday and it came the next day!

Mine just arrived. Have a Tuesday sticker on package. Go figure.

Well, FedEx surprised me.
The docs were delivered today 12/5.
Nice little book included. Of course, I'll have to check it as it would easily put me over my 11 lb carry-on limit.

Doug

Awww, I feel left out :(

Mine haven't arrived yet, either. My note is on the front door to deliver my docs to my neighbor. Hopefully this time tomorrow night, I'll be sitting on my bed enjoying my Silver Box!!

Yay, mine have been delivered, now I only have to wait until I get home to start checking them out. Happy little anticipatory doc dance :3smile:

What happened to the rosewood box? I was a bit underwhelmed by the shoebox that the docs arrived in. :(

Just got mine... :woh: Dancing in Wilson. Marc, I've only gotten the Silver Boxes. Not sure about the roseword box. Just glad mine arrived!!

Did not know about the rosewood box, but the silver box could have use some polish. The 'sliver' flaked off quite a bit.
But no matter.... it is all window dressing, anyway.

Started weighing my camera equipment today. My 2 camera bodies are almost 3 lbs. My big lens is 3 lbs. My computer is at least 4 lbs (need to weigh it). and let us not forget about the bag, itself. (or my other lenses).

What is a lens lad (tm) to do? Clearly, I will be over 11 lbs in my carry-on. Equally as clear, I would rather not place my valuable gear in checked baggage.

The always lovely Andrea came up with a solution!.
WEAR IT!

On ROAR 2, in Hermanus, I bought a great vest with lots of pockets. I shall wear it stuffed with heavy expensive goodies! I suggest that the rest of you check out clothing that can hold your 'stuff'.

Security screening should be interesting. & I will have to check my books in my regular bags due to the weight.

Of course, the critters won't care.

Can't wait, Doug

The carry-on limit is an issue.

Doug, I plan to use a backpack for the camera gear. While I may push and slightly exceed the 11 lb limit it usually does not look like it weighs as much as it does. Good to hear you are carrying two bodies as I was planning to do that also. I did that on ROAR 3 and it worked very well. Not so sure on the Zodiacs but it is nice not having to change lens just change camera body.

I am still uncertain about taking the small computer. Will take the I Pad for sure.

Wonder what they would say if we carryed one of the cameras with large lens around our neck. Like your idea of putting stuff in pockets. You must have a big pocket for that big lens.

Really starting to get excited about this trip.

Got our docs today.
I am with you Doug. Two bodies and a selection of lenses is heavy!
I too will wear a vest with pockets at check-in.. Have done this before and, after check-in just put it all back in my flight bag! We have only had our flight bags weighed a couple of times (Cathay does it.).
Security has not been a problem. We are on an A320 charter flight which should have the standard size overhead bins.
Not long now. See you all in B.A.

Yay, docs are here!
I like the book they included.
I'm bringing my Panasonic G2, 7-14mm lens, 14-42mm lens, 45-200mm lens and 20mm pancake. Plus I'm bringing two point and shoots. The iPad is a definite, I'm just not sure about the laptop. My current one is a 17 inch monster. It would be awfully nice for photoshop fun on sea days but I'm not sure it's worth the weight.
Has anyone used a Scottevest? They look less geeky than the standard photo vest.

I'm so happy for all of you getting your docs. Just visited that photo link from Dena above and relived the whole cruise again. You all sound as excited as we were, and we expect similar posts, as Grant's fellow lens lads will be aboard (Ken included, of course)! Yes...be like a real tourist and plug those heavy lenses onto the bodies you are carrying around your necks as you move through security! Good advice, Andrea.

Think Regent wins on the docs package now. Hate all these seperate pieces of paper. 1 luggage tag? Love getting the book. Nice touch.

On one page of the documentation it says that the transfer from the domestic airport to EZE is not included for cruise only passengers, but on another page it indicates that the transfer from the domestic airport to EZE is included for those who made their own air travel plans. Does anyone know which it is?
Also, what is the best way to get from EZE to the hotel upon arrival? Has anyone used Taxi Ezezia?

The transfer from the domestic aiport to EZE is NOT included if you do not have Silversea air. YOu can buy that transfer for $39 per person and most of us have done that.

A plain old taxi gets you from the airport to the hotel - I have never pre-arranged here and had no problems getting a taxi.

Should I purchase the transfer now or just wait until I'm onboard?

Ngaire, did the book come from Silversea or did you provide the book?

Purchase it now to be sure I will do that for you today.

The book came from Silversea Marc. Nice touch never had one of those before.

Thanks Ngaire! One less thing to worry about.

Just so that my poor old brain can fully understand this & not mess it up.....

Transport to the plane that takes us to the ship: We are on our own. Yes?

After the cruise: the transport from terminal to terminal is included for those who took the Silversea package and available for $39 each for those who did not.
Now: here's where I look stupid.... Ngaire, did we take the transfer for the end of the trip?

Doug

Doug: This describes me when it comes to travel and other details: Stupid is as stupid does, said the great philosopher Forrest Gump.

Frank:

Thanks. I assumed that after I got past all the weighing stations, I could out the stuff back into my backpack. At least, that is what I hoped.

I don't think that you, me or anyone else will have an issue with stuff getting to Buenos Aires. It is that damned domestic flight that has the 11lb carry-on limit.

I may have to put something into the checked bags depending on how easily this vest will hold stuff. My 2 bodies seem to come in at 4 lbs total. My laptop is easily 4 lbs. The big lens has to be something close. Add in the other lenses, hard drive AND the weight of the bag...this is going to be fun (nope!)

My concern is not that the checked baggage will get lost. After all, it is a direct flight and, I believe, chartered. But, everyone knows that people taking a trip like this bring photo equipment and much of it is valuable. Once something is out of my sight, I have no control. I worry about crime.

And it goes beyond the value issue. I, and just about everyone else, have insurance for lost stuff. But insurance will not cover lost photo opportunities. If I bring it, it is because I may want to use it.

So, I will be checking weight like a teenager about to get fitted for a prom dress.

All tips and suggestions are welcomed. See you and everyone else very soon!

Doug

Joanna:

I learned a very long time ago that the only *really* stupid question is the one that you didn't ask!

Happy holidays to you & Tony!

Doug

Doug,

While it is a charter it does look like it is a regular schedule flight of LAN. I am thinking Silversea has just booked a huge number of seats in advance. I would not check anything of value. Other passengers must have same challenge. Let's hope it does not become an issue.

Ralph:

I agree. After all, we are not the first to deal with this.

I did not know that it was a LAN flight (must have missed that somewhere.) Wonder if we can get miles for this leg.

Got my boots today! I am ready. well, almost....

Doug

I am so excited about this trip for all of you - it'll make my boring days!!!!

I just borrowed a backpack which holds my computer, all my camera stuff, my ipad and still has room for a bit more. I haven't weighed it yet though. Now I have transportation taken care of...what else have I completely forgotten? :eek:

Laurie, did you get your penguin costume for going ashore?

[img]https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSHmAnPfK3lc9WOoPBeNqkxny-fXe6PjU4eqAyyF06c-iCvLok8[/img]

No, but I got a really awesome hat!