You learn quickly in Antarctica that there’s always a plan B, not to mention plan C, plan D, plan E… You get my point. Prior to departing, I was craving some more specifics from our itinerary. I wanted to know where we would actually be stopping and on which days. However, I now understand why that is not feasible. The captain and the expedition team are constantly considering numerous factors - weather, swell, temperature, visibility, shore conditions - to make the best decision for each day’s excursions. Antarctica is an incredibly dynamic place, and that’s what makes it so magical to visit, but it also brings daily navigational challenges.
Unfortunately for us, the weather wasn’t so keen this time on letting us stay down on the peninsula. Our expedition leader, Boris, had been showing us reports from Windy.com each night at our daily recap, so there were some murmurings of stormy weather approaching. Right after lunch on Day 6, following a magical morning excursion to Wilhelmina Bay, a mandatory meeting was called. Boris broke the news: we were headed home. Three massive consecutive storm systems were headed toward the Drake, the biggest hitting right on the day we were originally scheduled to cross. It was in the best interest of the ship and the safety of everyone on board to get ahead of those storms and return safely to Ushuaia. Every face in the room instantly dropped. It was a tough shock after such an emotional high that morning, feeling like we were just getting into the heart of the peninsula and the best days of our expedition. Turning back early was a huge disappointment, for sure. After all the time and money it takes to get to Antarctica, you want to make the most of your time there. But it’s one of the most untouched wilderness areas on the planet, and you have to love and respect it for its unpredictable nature. The remoteness and mystery of Antarctica are what draw us there, and those same things can be what send us home. Despite the disappointment, I’m grateful for the time that we did have on the peninsula. Some expeditions aren’t even as lucky as us to get to see so much marine wildlife.
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
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
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.