Awakening in the dark, it took a few seconds to realize where I was....back in Ushuaia...in an amazing hotel. Pulling back the room darkening curtains, I was thankful for their usefulness. It appears that the sun had said hello hours ago, even though it was still quite early in the morning. Had I really just been in Antarctica? Heading down to the spa area, there was a resounding “yes” as I met up with a few of my new Canadian friends. Laughter and memories followed as we talked about some of the sights we had just seen. But this day had new memories of its own. After enjoying a warm soak, it was time for a hike up one of the many glaciers surrounding the town.
We took a car to the base of Glacier Martial and then the climb began. Half the group took the ski lift, while the rest of us followed upstream. It was hard to take more than a few steps at a time, not from exhaustion, but from amazement as the view continued to improve. How could I not stop and take a few photos? There was the joyous creek weaving it's way amongst the trees, brush, rocks and usual flowers. In the opposite direction lay the scenic view of the valley with the bay beyond containing waters that led to Antarctica.
Soon the ascent came to a halt as we walked past the snowline. The glacier surrounded us with occasional rocks emerging here and there making paths for the melting ice...mini waterfalls in the mist of ice and snow. The wind was cool, but not unbearable and as I stood there...accomplishment rung out from my heart. I had climbed a glacier! If only time could stand still for a few moments longer.
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.