Realizing that I am really here at Snow Hill and about to take off in Russian helicopters over Antartica, is just too surreal... I couldn't sleep last night.
The ride was exhilerating. Everyone ( the eight of us) in the helicopter were speechless. We were all so happy and in awe, that we just couldn't speak. We just looked out the windows in amazement at that the wide vast whiteness and the tabular icebergs beneath us.
The ride was about 10 minutes and then we landed at base camp. The Quark leaders set up two tents, provided food and emergency equipment for two days in the event a storm arised preventing us from returning to the ship. They even set up a temporary bathroom at the camp. They did this everyday for us before our arrival to base camp. The Quark leaders made us feel assured that they were prepared for anything. There was no need to worry about our safety as they did that everyday for us.
The walk to the rookery was about 1.2 mile. The sun was shining on the icebergs around us. The blue icebergs frozen in the sea ice were incredible.
Then, the first emperor penguin appeared, then another and another. They appeared in their tuxedos and acted like a welcoming commitee.
We walked among penguins and icebergs all the way to the rookery. Once at the rookery, we watched and photographed the majestic birds and their chicks for the next five hours. The Emperors were everywhere. Some of the birds were curious and approached us while others just continued on doing their penguin business.
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.