“Antarctica is a separate world. One can feel its presence as it approaches, sailing south from more temperate climes, Standing on the deck, one may follow the reeling albatross, feel the drop in temperature, the bite of the wind, and the pounding of the waves. Yet it is the presence of ice,from the first occasional fragments, escalating in shape, form and frequency, then finally dominating all else that brings assurance of arrival in Antarctica.” Mark Jones
It was a hard crossing – though the captain said that it was not his roughest crossing, it was near the top and he also said that he could not sleep during the hurricane. After 2 ½ days of getting beat around we finally made it to the calmer waters of the passage. As we were leaving the Drake Passage I received the bad news that we might not be able to make a continental landing on Antarctica. Even knowing the risks and that there were no guarantees, I started to get upset because I made it this close only to be denied. However, I learned that nothing is written in stone and that the itinerary can change within the hour. Much to my relief the itinerary did change and a window of opportunity opened up for us to make a continental landing. As a beautifully crisp sunny day unveiled itself and the seas lay down for the first time since my departure, I woke up to the full splendor of the Great White South I made it to the end of the earth and in a few moments I would be on a zodiac heading for land. Note: a Zodiac is a small rubber boat that is about 12 feet long and can hold about 10 people.
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.