This morning we were awakened far earlier than usual by the expedition leader announcing over the PA system that a pod of orcas had been spotted off the bow. Though it was barely 6am and the sun was just beginning to rise, most of us headed out onto the decks - some had thrown on the first clothes they touched, others had simply pulled boots and parkas on over their pajamas - and looked for orcas. Sure enough, we spotted several fins and blows, and we followed them south as the rising sun turned the glassy water gold. What a start to the day!
Incredible sunrise over the Weddell Sea (Anna Zlotnicki)
After breakfast, we all got dressed for our next adventure, a hike at Devil island. It did indeed look quite intimidating from the water, small but mountainous with a spear of stone at the summit. On the rocky beach, we were greeted by a handful of adelie penguins, as well as a fur seal. This was the first encounter with a seal on land - it was much larger than I expected! As I made my way up the beach from the landing site to the trail, I spotted a crabeater seal in the shallows, floating under an arching chunk of ice.
A quiet moment on the beach to admire the ice (Anna Zlotnicki)
The hike up the mountain was short, but very steep and on loose, fine scree over mud - not the most stable terrain. But the view was spectacular: the trail went up the spine of the island, and on the other side was another island, separated from this one by a narrow, glassy channel of water filled with ice. At the top of Devil Island, crossed flags marked the end of the trail, not that there was anywhere else to go: the trail went right along the highest ridge of the mountain, and ended at the highest point, with sheer drops on three sides. It was a warm, clear sunny day and the view was absolutely amazing in every direction.
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
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
