Most Inspirational Moment
There are so many, from Elephant Seals to King Penguins but one that i have fond memories was when sitting down just watching, not taking pictures, just sitting and watching Chinstrap Penguins. You are all told at the start of the expedition that we must respect the animals space and not cause them any distress by being to close... Keep your distance... These little guys, like the Adélie and Gentoo will waddle up so close, you could reach out and touch them. There is no fear from them, they are just so inquisitive. They melt your heart and leave you knowing this is the adventure and experience you’ve been looking for......
Thoughts on Group Leader
All Quark staff are fantastic and knowledgeable in there field of expertise from Historian to Ornithologist. All Expeditions are ran as the collective team, its the team that makes it work, no single individual, the expedition leader always gave praise to his team. Graham Charles was our expedition leader. Energetic, a mass of knowledge about polar travel and above all else he does what it takes to make this a trip that you will remember. His adventures are inspirational, his tales leave you wanting more he is a master at what he does.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Expect the unexpected… It does rain so take a rain cover for your camera and Lens. Always keep a spare set of batteries close to you in your jacket to keep them warm. Charge batteries every night as you will take more pictures then you can imagine. Don’t think you need an SLR with a huge lens. Penguins to Seals can be metres away, I saw great pictures from all levels of camera equipment. Its not as cold as you might think, but take plenty of layers for those days when the wind picks up and the chill factor plummets...
Suggestions
Only one thing that i would advise any traveller on this trip.... Take time to stop... put the camera down and just watch everything that is going on around you..... its fantastic experience that is difficult to put into words.. don’t live the whole trip through a camera... You will miss so much....