http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_GALLERYSID=c997e401f539253be4c337cfe83d2998 http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=839&g2_GALLERYSID=c997e401f539253be4c337cfe83d2998 839 The Gateway to Antarctica is the port town of Ushuaia, Argentina http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=842&g2_GALLERYSID=c997e401f539253be4c337cfe83d2998 842 Ushuaia is very hilly, like a small San Francisco. This view overlooks the port from a hillside park. http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=28&g2_GALLERYSID=c997e401f539253be4c337cfe83d2998 28 This small, quiet dock is entry and exit for all cruise ships to Antarctica http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=43&g2_GALLERYSID=c997e401f539253be4c337cfe83d2998 43 "Fin del Mundo!" As the southernmost city on the planet, Ushuaia is marketed as the "End of the World!" http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=46&g2_GALLERYSID=c997e401f539253be4c337cfe83d2998 46 Every self-respecting Argentine city must have a bust of Evita, Eva Peron. http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=49&g2_GALLERYSID=c997e401f539253be4c337cfe83d2998 49 Entry to Tierra del Fuego Parque Nationale, "Land of Fire" national park just 10 miles outside of Ushuaia. http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=57&g2_GALLERYSID=c997e401f539253be4c337cfe83d2998 57 Bahia LaPataia is one of the main hiking areas of the park. This sign marks the end of 2,000 mile Route 3 from Buenos Aires. http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=61&g2_GALLERYSID=c997e401f539253be4c337cfe83d2998 61 This is an active beaver colony along the hiking trail near La Pataia Bay. Beavers are very prevalent in the park. http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=63&g2_GALLERYSID=c997e401f539253be4c337cfe83d2998 63 I was hiking alone, when suddenly this beautiful fox ran right across my path! http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=65&g2_GALLERYSID=c997e401f539253be4c337cfe83d2998 65 Hiking along the Beagle Channel where one lone sailboat pulls up anchor. http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=67&g2_GALLERYSID=c997e401f539253be4c337cfe83d2998 67 For you sailing enthusiasts, check out this navigational range! http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=69&g2_GALLERYSID=c997e401f539253be4c337cfe83d2998 69 Although it looks like a fence, this is actually the trail near the coast of LaPataia Bay. http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=71&g2_GALLERYSID=c997e401f539253be4c337cfe83d2998 71 You never know what you are going to encounter off the hiking trails in Tierra del Fuego. This rickety outhouse makes me glad the park has adapted a more "green" approach toward public facilities! http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=73&g2_GALLERYSID=c997e401f539253be4c337cfe83d2998 73 There is a dock for boats approaching the park from the Beagle Channel. This is the "Welcome" sign. http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=75&g2_GALLERYSID=c997e401f539253be4c337cfe83d2998 75 One of the many beautiful hiking trails in the shadow of the snow-capped mountains of Tierra del Fuego National Park. http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=77&g2_GALLERYSID=c997e401f539253be4c337cfe83d2998 77 I took this photo for my brother Don to give him some decorating ideas for the "White Wonder" which made it's way from Texas to Nicaragua last year. http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=85&g2_GALLERYSID=c997e401f539253be4c337cfe83d2998 85 My friend Dan, a former chef, recommended this fantastic restaurant, www.kaupe.com which overlooks the port of Ushuaia. http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=83&g2_GALLERYSID=c997e401f539253be4c337cfe83d2998 83 I went with the "Tasting Menu from the Sea" which was expensive, but worth it! It started with King Crab, all the way through four courses to dessert, with a "bottomless" wine glass. Glad I wasn't driving! http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=87&g2_GALLERYSID=c997e401f539253be4c337cfe83d2998 87 Apparently, American Express in Argentina has a lot bigger budget than we do here in the US! http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=89&g2_GALLERYSID=c997e401f539253be4c337cfe83d2998 89 Taken from the window of "La Estancia," one of the typical Argentinean Parrillas, or steakhouse grill where all cuts of meat are cooked over the open coals and served with Chimichurri sauce. I ate here with some friends from the ship. http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=93&g2_GALLERYSID=c997e401f539253be4c337cfe83d2998 93 Looking down from the deck as we prepare to leave the cruise ship dock in Ushuaia. http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=95&g2_GALLERYSID=c997e401f539253be4c337cfe83d2998 95 Since the M/V Polar Star only holds 100 people, boarding took less than one hour. Preparing the gangway for our 5:00pm departure, 3 Feb, '09. http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=97&g2_GALLERYSID=c997e401f539253be4c337cfe83d2998 97 Our bartender prepares for a Captain's toast as we leave Ushuaia. http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=91&g2_GALLERYSID=c997e401f539253be4c337cfe83d2998 91 As we depart the Beagle Channel, it is finally calm for the first time since my arrival two days ago. http://gallery.taketothehighway.com/main.php?g2_itemId=101&g2_GALLERYSID=c997e401f539253be4c337cfe83d2998 101 Sunburst over Ushuaia.