Bags are packed...

And we're ready to go.

It's been quite an exercise packing for this first trip (lots of repacking, weighing, and repacking again). We have a tight weight limit (imposed by the cruise line and charter company) -- but we made it.

Our checked luggage (each is under 50lb). We will also each have a backpack and a small carry-on (less than 17lbs). Quite a "pre-cubing algorithm."

Here is the agenda for the next few weeks:

• A couple of days in Santiago, Chile        

• Charter to Ushuaia, Argentina

• Sail across the Drake Passage for the first time (we have our sea-sickness patches ready!)

• Antarctica expedition (fingers crossed for lots of penguins, seals, whales, and albatrosses)

• Sail back across the Drake

• Explore Patagonia (fingers crossed for pumas, otters, and more penguins)

• Disembark in Puerto Natales, Chile

• Charter back to Santiago for another couple of days

• Fly home

We'll post when we can, but we don't expect great wireless coverage near the South Pole!