Most Inspirational Moment
Any description of Antarctica is always full of 'expletives'. Quite honestly where do you start? Its awesome, pristine, 'bigger' than you can imagine. The glaciers and the thickness of the snow cover was simply mind boggling. Listening to the occasional 'calving' glacier making a noise like 'gun fire' sometimes startled you as often it happened some distance away without you actually seeing the event itself. The clearness and crispness of the air was an absolute tonic. The penguin colonies ('rookeries') were simply amazing. You read about how close you can get to the wildlife there but it was quite suprising actually how close you could get to them. They were seemingly oblivious to the presence of man and therefore we were able to study their natural behaviour. It was a very humbling experience indeed and you felt 'at one' with nature, a part of the whole. Someone said to me back home before we left 'Why go there won't a photograph of a particular animal or bird have the same effect? Well you just have to visit a penguin rookery or a seal haul-out to experience the unforgettable sights sounds and oh yes -'odour' like no other and the adventure of course of actually making landfall on the most remote and pristine continent on Earth. You don't get that experience from photographs! It is such an exciting feeling when you actually set foot on the continent itself.Describing a specific inspirational moment is impossible as you have to think about the whole picture. The landscape, the glaciers, the wildlife, the silence, the light, the people. There is no experience quite like it on our planet. It was one 'big adventure' from start to finish!
Thoughts on Group Leader
All the 'One Ocean' guides were good. They were knowlegable, skillful, caring and considerate at all times. The expedition team leader was Chad who was exceptional I have to add. His cool, calm quiet leadership made such a difference to the trip I'm sure. We all felt very safe in his capable hands. We have nothing but praise too for the ship's Captain and crew. They worked efficiently, quietly and discreetly in the background.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Most trips to the Antarctic Peninsula start at Ushuaia in Southern Patagonia. They call it 'The end of the World' but don't be put off by that rather deceiving descriptive! Its a city with a population of 70,000 to 80,000 people so its quite substantial. It is very much a 'frontier' town much like Jenneau in Alaska if you have been there. It is quite vibrant and I would suggest spending a few days there before (or even after) your cruise to explore the area such as taking a boat trip into the Beagle Channel or a trip to the Tierra Del Fuego National Park. Maybe the best way to do this might be to hire a car but our trips were organised. What clothing to take with you will probably take up much of your time in planning beforehand! But make sure you take enough base layers with you and warm and 'waterproof' gloves. The expedition ship we went on namely the 'Akademic Ioffe' provided waterproofs and gum boots which you keep for the duration of the voyage and 'wash down' after each shore visit. Do wear good footwear on deck ie- 'hiking boots' as it can get slippy and you don't want to be breaking any limbs when you are out there! Its even more important to wear good footwear if you hit foul weather in the Drake Passage and a unexpected wave can cause a sudden jolt which may cause you to lose your balance. The golden rule then of course is 'keep one hand for the ship'! We took warm quilted coats with us which were not waterproof. They are fine but bulky to pack. If you have taken sufficient base layers with you then the kit the ship supplies may be sufficient for you. We went in January and it wasn't incredibly cold out there in fact it was colder in the UK when we got back! Don't forget the 'sun block' and UV protection sunglasses. Make sure you take 'plenty' of memory cards for your cameras!
