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The Last Desert Blogs 2012

Garry Prendiville

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The Last Desert (2012) blog posts from Garry Prendiville

30 November 2012 03:46 am (GMT+08:00) Perth

Hi all, this is my first opportunity to touch base with you all, the cybertent is in great demand so I have not tried to use it.

All I can say about the whole experience is AWESOME and a fantastic insight into the whole Racing the Planet operation and
and the fantastic job the staff do. Carlos is even human once you get to know him, on the last day he even set a flat course as the

weather was deteriorating and they wanted to present the medals on shore. 

Mel has done a magnificent job once again enduring the harsh testing conditions, he has got stronger as the race has gone on.

Obviously the facilities on the boat have been a blessing, the food has been great, the cabins comfortable and the crew very helpful.

The Russian captain has gone out of his way to accommodate the race and find alternative sites when the original one was not found
to be suitable. Kelvin from Scotland the ships expedition leader has worked closely with RTP thinks they are all mad but is always
congratulating them on their achievements.

Its penguins ++++, their colonies stink but you get use to it after a while, they are fascinating to watch and at times they have held up
the racers as they make their way to and froe from the water. they work so hard to survive in the conditions and raise their chicks.

We have had many opportunities to attend lectures from the crew on the wild life and Antarctic region..
There have been other tourists on board, mostly from Europe, think they have been fascinated by the racers and all the characters like
the Japanese walking around in their penguin suits always laughing, the general consensus is they are all mad.

One of the highlights for me was the opportunity to sleep on the shore. The night before, the non racers slept ashore but it was on an island
off the peninsular. We actually slept on the Antarctic mainland and to top that it snowed all night. Garry and I chose to sleep in Biv's instead
of tents, so by the time I had donned all the layers of clothing, and squeezed into my silk liner, down liner, sleeping bag and finally the Bivvy I was
very snug. My only fear was that I would have to get up in the night to go to the loo which was a portable dunny in full view of everyone and
it was light all night, no star gazing. Rationed my tea perfectly that day.

Have met some great people, racers, guests, all the ship crew and RTP crew.

I've spent alot of time with Liz from Canada her husband Len was racing, we did alot of exploring together, cheering along the course and topping
up water bottles. Yesterday at the end of the race, Mary gave me the opportunity to give Garry his medal, it was amazing to see the relief pour out of some
of them that had achieved the 4 races in the one year, Michelle from India, the only person from India to have done the event, let alone all 4 deserts,
Michael from Germany who ran in his race in red shorts and next to no water proof clothing, he won the final course.

So much to tell but someone wants to use the computer, finish by saying it was fantastic to have had this opportunity to share this with Mel and be
there for him in some little way to assist in his amazing race......see you all soon, Wen, signing out from the Antarctic!!!! 
We are about 

Comments: Total (1) comments

Jenny Biffin

Posted On: 02 Dec 2012 11:49 am

It's been wonderful reading about your adventures. A huge congratulations to Garry - an amazing achievement - conquering the planet - and also congratulations to you Wen for throwing yourself into being a big support in less than ideal conditions. Hope the boat ride back is better for you. Can't wait to catch up when you get back. Jenny xx

30 November 2012 03:25 am (GMT+08:00) Perth

Hi All

Subsequent to my last message we managed to find an area that was suitable to finish the race.We pulled into Danko Island around 4 pm, moved straight to the shore and completed another 13km to get Vincent Garcia, the race leader , to a total of 200kms. The rule was either Vincent hits 200 kms or 830pm whichever comes first. The race was called to halt and I had completed around 8 circuits or around 9/10kms. I am not quite sure where I finished up in total kms but am sure that it ended up something respectable and as far and fast as I was able.

The final stage was probably the least difficult of all the stages but allowed the people racing to have a final run and finish in the traditional manner of running through the finish line with Mary handing out the medals. Mine was slightly different and I had Wendy waiting at the finish with a big smile on her face and my medal ready to hand over.

Wendy has been terrific throughout the event and in particular this stage where she stood on the sidelines in the freezing snow and sleet and encouraged all the runners on. Each time I ran around the circuit I could hear Wen cheering from the side.

It is Friday morning and we are about to pull out to head to Ushuaia and then onto home from there. It feels strange to have completed all four deserts but at the same time I am happy that this phase is now complete. I have met some great people along the way and have some fantastic memories.

The SKMRC cause has been very close to all the Prendiville family over the years and we have built up a strong bond with the all the Kirkbride extended clan over that time. Many thanks to everyone who has been supporting me through messages, donations and other ways throughout. I really appreciate it.

I will sign off now as I need to put on a Sculpaline Sea Sickness patch to get me ready to hit the Drake (Shake) Passage for 2 days of pain. Not looking forward to this at all .....

Best wishes to all and see you when Wendy and I get home for a beverage or three. (Sandalford of course)

Garry

Comments: Total (0) comments

29 November 2012 03:05 am (GMT+08:00) Perth

Hi All,

Last day of racing today all going well.

We have been travelling S/SW around the Anatrctic Peninsula and surprisingly over the first few days we had pretty good weather.

We had an 8.5 hour event the day before yesterday which was cold and savage to say the least. It involved steep hills and both hard and soft snow at different times of the day. The event finished around 8.30/9 pm which made the finish even cold and miserable.

Yesterday was a 2 hour intense exercise at Neiko Bay. The circuit was 1.2km long and involved a straught up snow covered hill of around 45 degress and then then straight down. Glutes and ankles were burning on the way up and ITBs and Knees were belted on the way down. Course Director Carlos the Jackel was in fine form. I pealed off and started with 2 layers which was the right level of clothing as I sweated hard going up and then got cold going down. The scenery was spectacular and truly bought home to me that we are in one of the most unique wilderness parts of the world. It is awe inspiring to see Ice Burgs within 100 meters of the track you are running on. Position 33 after second stage but will move a few places down the line after stage 3.

After finishing the race yesterday around 6pm we had a quick feed on the boat and then headed for the shore to camp out the night. It starrted snowing within 20 mins of arriving at the land which made things a little more difficult. Wendy came ashore also which was great and the 2 of us slept out in bivis and not tents. Quite an experience and one we wont forget.

Each day of the race stages at the most extreme I am dressed in Brookes gortex shoes with Ice breaker socks, snow skins and gortex trousers then 2 patagonian base layers, a caperleine 3 additional layer followed by my RTP soft thermal top and topped by my Marmot water proof gortex jacket. Moving up I have a thermal RTP Antartic Buff, a polar kneck warmer and then a polar beanie. I have both addapted Maui Jim sun glasses and Snow googles for the wind.
In my backpack (which weighs around 6.5 kgs) I am carrying extra base layers and food as well as snow spikes for my shoes when the conditions get to icy and slippery. These have been weighty but invaluable.

Today the ship is carefully cruising to the next race area in conditions which are not good. Visibility is around 400 metres with snow and overcast conditions. Winds speed is around 35/45 knots. Looking out the window of the lounge there are ice burgs all around and the Captain is constantly manuvering the ship left and right around them. The Ship just now vibrated and slowed as we hit a small ice burge. People all around are on alert and there is a slightly nervous buzz in the air. I feel like I am on the Titanic with out the first class luxury. (Note to self that I am in the Port Lifeboat and my lifejacket is in the bedroom cupboard ... dont leave Wendy behind!)O.

We have now just droped anchor Dormer Island and the Captain has just anounced over the loud speaker that the ships Manager will be addressing everyone in the lounge in 10 minutes. Our route has taken us through Paradise Bay and ferguson Channel which is around the base of the Antarctic Peninsula.I fear that the weather may be to rough to run but we will see.

Wendy is in her element and was helping out at the checkpoint yesterday encouraging runners and filling water bottles in fast time as people moved through. She has infused into the event and most people know her and her infectious smile and helping attitiude.
The stages todate have been as hard if not harder than other RTP events as we have had to struggle through snow, sweat (Cold), layer changing in freezing wind, super fast food and electrolye intake to overcome frost bitten fingers and fast cool down and generally fear of the unknown. It reminds me of the first RTP event we did in the Gobi Desert. Who knows what to expect?
As I type the Ships manager is addressing us saying that the weather has turned and that the winds are from the N/NE and will remain constant at around 35/45 knots for at least the next 3 to 4 hours. The Captain has anchored the ship in the leay of an Island and will wait it out and see what happens. At this point the weather and our abolity to compete today is unknown.

I look out the window again and the winds appear stronger and there is now sleat and snow howling outside. Not a good sign.

Thanks to all who are following along and who generously donated to the SKMRC cause. Toshio we all look forward to seeing you at Christams with your wife. Alina and Joy might I say I should have taken your advice on the non slip socks.Crabs surely we have now reached a tooth and nail stage and due another generous donation and too everyone else many thanks for the messages I (and Wendy) are hanging out for them.

Best regards

Garry (The Hound)

Comments: Total (0) comments

27 November 2012 04:14 am (GMT+08:00) Perth

Hi All,

After moving in the morning from King George Island to Deception Island we were faced with 45/50 knot winds and as such moved to Trinity Island. Like a lot of the things that happen here everything is decided on the day subject to the weather and wildlife. As there was very sensitive Penguin colonies on the small Island the event did not take place and gave us an opportunity to see some wildlife in a more relaxed mode. The whole region here is incredibly pristine and sensitive.

We moved onto Port Lockroy which is a small British Base on the Island of Anvers Island. 

We had a time band of 8.5 hours to get as many loops as possible. The loops were a distance of 3.1kms and started with an incline of around 40 degrees for 1.5kms and then desended down to the start area. I managed 12 circuits in the time which was not bad given the extreme weather we had. Top number was garcia agin with 19 circuits.

Tomorrow we start at 8.30am for a two part day followed by camoing out on the snow. ( Not really lppking forward to that)

Wen has been occupying her time watching penguins and other wildlife. She has also helped out a few times as a volunteer. She has been seen marching around in her snow shoes at great speed on many ocassions.
It is currently 11pm and bright light and as I am due on the starting blocks at 830am I will sign off for now.

Thanks for the messages they are fantastic to hear and help get through the days pain. 

Best regards Garry/Wendy

Comments: Total (6) comments

Pia Prendiville

Posted On: 30 Nov 2012 02:51 am

Hi Dad! Congrats on your efforts- you're doing a fantastic job! Who is this over achieving Garcia character..? Perhaps Mum and her penguin friends can herd him on to a drifting iceberg... Really looking forward to seeing you both next week! Can't wait to hear all the stories! Love you lots x Gob. ps. My housemate went in to labour last night! Three woman and a baby... Sounds like a terrible Kirsty Alley movie

Kate Prendiville

Posted On: 29 Nov 2012 04:53 am

I think I'd have to agree with Bill....zodiacs, watching wildlife, hot showers, beds....just waiting to see a family snap of you and Wend' with a cuddly wuddly seal!! Great effort I have to say, I'm loving the photos - the scenery looks amazing. I'll be so interested to hear about it first hand over a glass of chilled sav when we get to Perth....or perhaps you've had enough of "chilled" by then!! Keep trekking strongly and a couple of action shots for the cameraman would be good!! Love to you and Wen'....The Sydney Prendi's xx

jembo prendiville

Posted On: 29 Nov 2012 04:23 am

Great effort ga, keep it up!

jamie prendiville

Posted On: 29 Nov 2012 03:10 am

36 km in 8.5 hr in the snow -- that sounds impressive -- my finger is poised and and in readiness to push the button for another donation -- CRABS

Peter & Karen Roberts

Posted On: 29 Nov 2012 02:12 am

Good on you Doggie - still pushing through and looking strong. JP sent a mail via Mary who said you were in great shape and in all the photos on the RTP site you are both smiling and running!! Sounds like its an all together different game to hot deserts but you seem to have the hydration and food sorted. The rumour is Vincente is struggling and carrying a foot injury so bring out the running spikes tomorrow and make that podium move !!! Good to see Wendy is having a ball into full FTP spirit. As JP has recently worked out that costs big diamonds.... We are all watching and cheering you on every step here - keep it up. Karen & Pistol

Bill Biffin

Posted On: 28 Nov 2012 11:37 pm

Hi Doggy, It is starting to sound more and more like a sight seeing tour. Penguins, cool breezes and a warm bed at night. Not sure what camoing is but I am assuming it is short for camouflage and you are hiding somewhere out in the snow. Don't get lost. If you do tough it out like Dawson and chew on some of those penguins until help arrives. Where are the tales of frostbite, starvation and deprivation? Good luck on the next leg. Bent Beak

25 November 2012 01:40 am (GMT+08:00) Perth

Well that was a day and a half. We pulled into King George Island to startthe first stage of 100 kms. Most people know that my strategy has alsways to be a little undercooked and then gain fitness to power on for the double marathon day. Starting with the double marathon did put stried and proven system to the test.

It was a hard slog with the course being set out as 14kms circuits. Its was a little strange clothing up to Polar conditions getting ready to run 2 marathons. The course was a figure eight which allowed a water station to be set up in the middle of the eight which handy.

To those who have done a few RTP Ultra Marathons you will know what I am saying when I mention that the day started will cold conditions with under foot feel like the Gobi desert. The snow was so hard and uneven that it constantly bruised the feet. As the day moved on and the sun was shining the snow turned to a wet mush that made you feel like you were running in soft cold sand Sahara style.

I covered 63 kms yesterday as it was a timed event and am running 28th on the running sheet. Vincent Garcia (Leader and legend) ran 105km

Today we have had to abandon the race as the temp is around minus 25 but more importantle the wine are in excess of 50 knots which will cause issues for the zodiacs. While they may be able to get us to shore they mau not be able to pick us up.

Wendy is having a good time kayaking and volunteering for motivation and checkpoint water duties.She sends her love to all.

As mentioned before the ship is industrial but safe. It is a little strange being able to sleep in a bed at night and I constantly have to remind myself not to drop my guard.

Thanks for the blogs they are really welcome and appreciated.

Will send a message at the first available opportunity.

Garry

Comments: Total (6) comments

jamie prendiville

Posted On: 28 Nov 2012 02:52 am

Doggy how come you're comming 28th and I can only count 21 in the race? Did they leave a few slowiies behind last year? Good luck -- CRABS

Pat Prendiville

Posted On: 27 Nov 2012 10:00 pm

Fantastic stuff Ga, a huge day first up! We haven't seen the results for the second stage but hoping you had a good one and made back some time on Vicente Apparently there's an ATM on Antarctica... make sure you get some cash out just in case that stall selling coca-cola and chips that you never expect in these races does pop up! The photos look amazing too Love to Wend Rags

Bill Biffin

Posted On: 27 Nov 2012 11:11 am

Great going Doggy, the trip over sounded horrendous but the Doc obviously gave you some secret pills that have kept you going strong. Jen sends you and Wendy her love and well wishes. A bed at night sounds too good to be true, as you say keep your guard up against going soft. Hope the weather improves and you get to enjoy the scenery. Watch out for the killer penguins, they are the ones with the blue eyes. All the best for the next leg. Bent Beak

Pia Prendiville

Posted On: 27 Nov 2012 10:50 am

Great job Dad! 28th is awesome (it actually says you're 27th on the website..?!)We're all thinking of you and talking about your amazing efforts- really proud of you! I arrived back in Melbourne today. Yesterday went OK. Feel really exhausted today. Jeff did an amazing job (and there was a pink coffin- Perfect for Valli :)) keep up the great work Dad!! Take care x Love you lots- Gob

Karen & Peter Roberts

Posted On: 27 Nov 2012 10:16 am

Go Doggy ! unbelievable result for day 1 and am almost suspicious of Crabs "seasick" pills but am sure it's all legitimate and its just the experience shining through or maybe Mary has given you and Wendy the Stateroom complete with jacuzzi. As we know you get stronger as the race continues and you don't have Billy to bail out again I'm sensing a podium finish by the weekend. Conditions sound fairly treacherous but hope day 3 brings some relief and you can enjoy the experience even more. Be safe and don't eat green snow. Pistol and Karen

jamie prendiville

Posted On: 27 Nov 2012 03:48 am

you made day I --- I'm wondering how you are going to peg Garcia back with your undercooked training. I think the old one-two is your only hope ( trip him over when you cross on the figure of 8 and then the watergirl Wendy can sink the boots in). That would make financing her trip worthwhile.Went to Valli's funeral yesterday with Karil and the old man -- Pia, Mick and Hayley were there-- it was very good and all went smoothly. Good luck with the next leg --CRABS

24 November 2012 08:56 am (GMT+08:00) Perth

Hi All

Sorry for the delay in posying but the weather crossing the Drake Passage has been rough as I have ever known it. Everyone on board bar a few have been in various stages of pale.
We had the final briefing before the race tomorrow which has bought a few anxieties on. The stage one distance is 100 kms which anyone who know the format for other races is tough. I have been packing and repacking and will stage the day around the 9.5kgs (Given that I am taking polar gear to cope.
The boat is comfortable and a little indutrial but it doesnt matter as it looks safe. The competitors are leaving the boat at around 6am and the stage will come to an end around 830/9pm. Big day so need as much rest as I can tonight.
Speak soon.

Garry

Comments: Total (7) comments

John Prendiville

Posted On: 26 Nov 2012 08:24 pm

Doggie, have seen heaps of shots of you on the snow looking confident and relaxed -Hollywood stuff. If I read the results right, it looks like you punched out 60 or 70 Kms for the first day - great effort! I also read that there are very strong winds holding up the second day - good luck with that. I bet wen is just looooooving this event - might be best to just capitulate early and tell wen she can turn your back yard into a croquet field Good luck doggie Up

Karen & Pistol Roberts

Posted On: 26 Nov 2012 09:56 am

Doggy This message will find your extremities blissfully numb, your muscles aching and probably wasted! Having peeled away 12 dozen layers with not much ability to string conversation together nor the desire to!! Quite perversely Pistol and I confident you are quietly smug, deservedly proud, unquestionably delighted with your enormous achievement, Wendy must be in a whirlwind of confusion in exactly how you managed to convince her it was an ideal chance for a relaxing holiday. Our admiration for you is double for Wendy. Can't wait to read the blogs. Love, best wishes and fingers crossed for fair and fine weather for you both. X

Jem bo

Posted On: 26 Nov 2012 07:30 am

Good luck ga! Keep the flag flying! Jezza

Peter Prendiville

Posted On: 26 Nov 2012 07:27 am

Doggy. Great to hear you at least got there without being to sick....all that time in the Whitsundays on the boat paid of.I hope Wend is coping without a croquet field for a week...good luck Doggy. Bear and Deb and cubs

jamie prendiville

Posted On: 26 Nov 2012 04:59 am

Doggy you never unmasked your winter collection before you left for the race --- I thought that being your fovourite brother I would have had a pre-season viewing. We are waiting eagerly to hear your progress. Karil and I will be going to Valli's funeral today to represent the family that is if Pia isn't still in town-- tell Wendy I caught up with Ron and we went to the OBH for a cleanser -- 20 pints later!! -- Will keep you informed -- CRABS

Alina B

Posted On: 25 Nov 2012 01:12 pm

Hi Garry - Thinking of you on this minor 100k trek around King George Island and looking forward to seeing photos at the end of the day! 9.5kg is not bad at all, and Joyce from Sahara Race 2010 says hello! Some new trivia -- Penguins lost the ability to fly millions of years ago, but their powerful flippers and streamlined bodies make them very accomplished swimmers. They are the fastest swimming and deepest diving species of any birds. Cheers, Alina

Pia Prendiville

Posted On: 25 Nov 2012 02:30 am

Hi Dad!! Good luck with stage one! 100kms straight up- they don't exactly ease you in to it do they?! Sure you'll smash it though!!!! Glad Mums there to massage your aching feet, sing you songs of encouragement and prepare hearty, nourishing meals... Right Ma?! Love you lots and can't wait to hear how the first stage goes! Take care - Gob xxx

16 November 2012 01:25 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Well Wendy and I are now in Sydney on our way through to Buenos Aires / Ushuaia to board the Ice Breaker for Antarctica. We caught up with brother John (who just competed in RTP Sahara) and wife Katie as well their children Alexandra, Monty and Georgia. All in good form. They organised a dinner with three others, two of which also have just returned from the Sahara event. Pistol Pete with his lovely wife Karen plus Ed who is now seriously contemplating his next RTP event. Hard to know what to expect in Antarctica as all training and events to date have been in high heat. My training is now in taper mode including more food intake. Wendy is joining the event as a family spectator and volunteer but in true scout style has come prepared for all outcomes. I fear we will not get on the flight to Ushuaia as we have so much luggage. I am told the seas/waves between Ushuaia and the Antarctic Peninsula can be alarmingly big and at times can be 70 feet high. Thanks to Jamie for the magic bullets that will combat that. Many thanks to all who have donated to the SKMRC cause I really appreciate it. Will be in touch soon. Garry

Comments: Total (12) comments

jamie prendiville

Posted On: 23 Nov 2012 12:58 am

Starting soon Doggy -- if your blog convinces me you are putting in a Herculean race I will dribble some more buckolies to SKMRC -- by the way I can't see any link between your home page on the SKMRC site and the RTP blogs -- tried to contact Mick but he was still sleeping. CRABS

Tonya Prendiville

Posted On: 22 Nov 2012 12:42 pm

Go Popper Go ! You will dance this one in. LOL xx

John Prendiville

Posted On: 20 Nov 2012 05:23 am

Doggie, just noticed your photo on your blog site has you with the famous number 96 on your chest. What a hoot - that was my Sahara number. Your bound to finish the antarctic now!!!! Best wishes to wen. - jet lag is never good Cheers

Garry Prendiville

Posted On: 19 Nov 2012 10:44 pm

M, Mick, Rag and Alina Thanks for the very useful info which I will store away for use when needed. I will improvise and ask the Alvear Palace Hotel for some doubled sided sticky tape I can stick to my socks for extra grip on the boat Also M we have been warned by a few people about the loose hands that are around the BA region. Forewarned is forearmed. Jet lag has hit Wendy hard who is now trying to sleep it off. My recipe for this is to soulder on and head down to the bar for a Hendriks Martini. (Shakened/ not stirred) Jimmie and Jamie will know what I mean. M there is a transport strike here in BA tomorrow called by the very powerful truck drivers union so you are right about making sure we reconfirm flights etc. apparently the city will be bought to a halt. Will get to the airport well and truly early for the flight to Ushuaia. The nervous tension is starting to rise slightly which is normal for me. Thanks for the messages everyone. Hope I can keep them coming when we hit the Drakes Passage. G

MG HK

Posted On: 19 Nov 2012 08:08 am

Hi Garry, looking forward to seeing you and meeting Wendy. Remember not to miss your flight to Ushuaia -- all are full this time of year. Also, watch your back pocket -- lots of petty theft in Argentina. MG

Alina B

Posted On: 19 Nov 2012 07:59 am

The antipode of King George Island is Siberia, Russia (near one of the offshoots of the Lena River).

Pat Prendivillle

Posted On: 19 Nov 2012 07:03 am

Hi Ga, another interesting fact - the coldest recorded temperature on earth was in antarctica... -89.2C ...hoping that your weather is more pleasant! Hi to Wend and same as jp - pass my best on to the sahara crew. Good luck, I've got no doubt you'll smash it! Rags

Alina B

Posted On: 19 Nov 2012 04:36 am

Hi Garry - Very much looking forward to watching your progress on the journey. Drake Passage can be thrilling - maybe I should have mentioned this before, but socks with sticky padding on the soles are useful on the boat. Also, there are 17 species of penguin in the world; 7 species can be considered "Antarctic Penguins." Enjoy! x Alina

Mick Prendiville

Posted On: 19 Nov 2012 03:12 am

Hi guys! Wishing all the best of luck over there. Make sure to get loads of photos. Also Dad, the penguins over there differ from the ones off Happy Feet. The Emperor penguin gets up to 1.2meters and weighs around 40kg. So if a pack of them come after you, run away, as they may end up tap dancing on your face. Love Mick

Garry Prendiville

Posted On: 18 Nov 2012 10:40 pm

JP will send your best to all the RTP gang as well as others you mentioned. Meeting up with you Pistol and Ed was a great rev up for the Antarctic. After a session of light gym this morning Wendy and I went to the Argentine Polo preliminary finals. 3 of Pieres family and 3 Asrtada family. One 40 goal and one 38 goal team. Saw 2 matches. You would have enjoyed it. Sandy we will keep an eye out for you and Colin. Sam from RTP could give you my details if you want to link up. Garry

John Prendiville

Posted On: 18 Nov 2012 08:01 am

Gooooooo doggy and wen. It was great to have you over for a few days. Give pistol, Ed and my best wishes to all the crew there (mary, Sam, etc) as well as the other competitors who were on the Sahara race with us eg born 2 run et al Good luck Jp

Sandy Suckling

Posted On: 17 Nov 2012 04:21 pm

Hi Garry, glad to hear you are on the way... safe travels..I am not trying to think about the waves..... Col and I are in Santiago waiting for our next flight into Buenos Aires so might see you guys on the way Sandy