A new day! Squinting hard and gazing ahead, I resisted the urge to look away as huge snowflakes landed on my face. I was surrounded by snow covered mountains and penguins everywhere I looked. Stepping out of the zodiac boat, I turned to look back. Behind me was the sea with icebergs floating around the ship, many giving off a bluish shade. Mountains shot straight up from the waters, and in a way I felt like I must have already climbed to a peak for this amazing view. Walking up a small slope to give room for people disembarking the next zodiac, I noticed the shelf snow near the base of the incline. It was edged like a white canyon wall. “I must be looking at a postcard or a photo found in National Geographic”. Opening my mouth for a split second, a large snowflake landed straight on my tongue. It felt like a spoonful of Hawaiian shaved ice. Large clusters of snowflakes in the summer...or really late spring...seemed extraordinary. The snowflakes grew smaller and so did the group of people as they climbed the hill ahead of me.
Shielding my eyes, I attempted to catch up with the other red coated people. We all looked sorely out of place in these red coats the boat had provided for us. However, the warmth was wonderful. The thought was forgotten as I looked down at the footprints ahead of me. Each imprint was glowing light blue like there was a black light hidden beneath the snow. Such a brilliant soft blue, a hidden treasure disclosed with each step.
I
was
walking on a glacier!!!!
Twisting my own foot a little deeper with the next, and hoping the blue intensified, I realized I'd never catch up with the group at this speed. How can a person move swiftly when everywhere you look is so rich for the eyes?
Sweating though my layers, finally the top appeared. Even through the fog, I knew I could sit there for hours and absorb the surroundings. Quiet except for the songs of the penguins, I felt like I was dreaming…were my eyes telling me the truth? Was this unexplainable wintry white scenery truly surrounding me? I did not know so many shades of white existed. Oh my…
Back on the boat….
A joyous outburst from behind and squeals of excitement filled the dining hall. Dropping my fork and turning toward the commotion, people were pointing out the window. A whale had been spotted. Soon a crowd gathered to gaze into the water and wait for the whale to surface again. As an eruption filled the room once more, it sounded like children opening their dream gift. As even more people rushed to look out the glass, I felt the boat tip towards the left. It sure felt like we were leaning with the crowd concentrated in one area. Eventually the whale wandered off and the people began to dissipate back to their tables and their second course dish. Nevertheless, the atmosphere stayed one of joy. People had spotted the first of the whales.
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.