This particular trip was extra special because we successfully crossed the Antarctic Polar Circle, an imaginary line at 66°33′48 degrees South! Attempts to cross the Polar Circle usually happen once per season on Antarctic ships. The polar circle itineraries tend to occur during late February or March when the larger sheets of ice have broken up, making it easier for the ship to navigate. Even with less ice, crossing the Polar Circle is still a difficult feat for sailors! While a polar circle crossing is never guaranteed, the expedition staff will make all possible efforts for a successful crossing on any Polar Circle itinerary.
A sound of the ship's horn signaled our crossing of this imaginary geographical line. There was a palpable sense of excitement aboard as the captain announced our current geographic location over the loudspeaker. After breakfast, we got off the ship for our excursion to Detaille Island in Crystal Sound. Our expedition leaders let us know that this was the first time in years that they were able to make this landing as the landing site is often covered in ice. Detaille Island was home to a research station, which closed in 1958 due to the difficultly of landings at this site. We certainly got lucky! All landing sites in Antarctica are never guaranteed, but the crew will make every possible attempt to land whenever possible considering weather patterns and general safety.
The shapes of the icebergs around the island were breathtaking as contrasted with the sky. It really felt like a dream landscape and I had never seen anything like it. We saw adelie penguins, crabeater seals and many birds including a baby skua in its nest. Watch out though! Skuas are prone to attack your head!
After a few lovely hours exploring Detaille Island, we went back to the ship and had a special whiskey toast to celebrate crossing the circle. Salud!
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.