One of my favorite days on my trip was towards the end of the cruise. We started the morning in Paradise Bay and Skontorp Cove near the Chilean Research base at Brown Station. While some people went on land, the rest of us went on a zodiac cruise to get up close to the wildlife and icebergs. The glassy bay was beautiful for taking photos- everything was reflected like a mirror into the water and it was just so peaceful. The bay was filled with wildlife galore! We got up close to penguins floating on icebergs, and I got the quintessential penguins on an iceberg photo:
Gentoo Penguins floating on an iceberg (Jane Packer)
After cruising around the bay for a while, we went to shore and climbed up on a hill that was behind the research base. The base was actually already closed for the season, so no researchers were there. The climb really got my heart pumping, and at the top, when the sun came out, I felt like I might be getting a tan! The sun can be pretty strong in Antarctica and reflects off the snow, so sunscreen is a must. Everything (including the ship) just looked so small from up above, and I felt like I could see forever. I sat and just soaked in the sun for a while on the rocks. It was so relaxing!
At Brown Station over looking Skontorp Cove (Jane Packer)
At one point we even saw a minke whale from this vantage point, because the water was so clear and blue! The whale even swam below one of the zodiacs that was cruising below us.
A minke whale from above (Shijo Jose)
After our wonderful day in Paradise, we went back to the ship for an "asado" which is a typical Argentinian barbecue. I ate my fill in grilled steak and chicken! Yum!! Our bellies and hearts were content after this absolutely perfect day.
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
