Day 5 brought a pleasant surprise: We would be going ashore to Vernadsky Research Base, a Ukrainian station on the peninsula, where we could send postcards from Antarctica! Not only that, but we would also get our passports stamped. I hadn’t realized either of these things would be possible, as they are never guaranteed as part of the itinerary. But if the weather and schedule allow, it’s a wonderful treat!
As we approached shore on the zodiacs, we got our first sight of penguins! So surreal these creatures seemed at first that you could hear many people asking “Are those real?” They were, in fact, very real gentoo penguins hanging out around the base. We were then taken on a tour of the facility, which was filled with history. While the accommodations were adequate and everyone was quite friendly, I can’t say I’d want to spend a dark winter there.
Upstairs, we were able to purchase postcards from a friendly Ukrainian gentleman who said he’d previously been the commander of the base. The “post office” accepted US dollars and euros. Many IOUs were exchanged as not everyone had brought one of those two currencies. There was also a small gift shop where you could purchase t-shirts, stickers, and handmade magnets. Of course, you could only buy what you could fit in your dry bag, in order to get it back to the ship.
That evening, during “tall tales from the bar,” our resident artist on board, Clare Dudeney, shared a fascinating story. Her father, John Dudeney, had actually spent several years at Vernadsky, back when it was a British station, and this was the first time she had been able to visit the base and see where her father had worked. Clare showed us an old photograph of the group at “Base F” in 1968, which included Brian Gardiner, who would later be a part of the team who discovered the hole in the ozone layer.
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
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
4 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
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.