At Sea, the Drake Passage 61º08’ S 61º07’ W
Barrientos/Aitcho Island 62º24’ S 59º475’ W
The ice cliffs mountains of the South Shetland Islands represent most visitors’ first glimpse of Antarctica. Separated from the Antarctic Peninsula by the Bransfield Strait, this 540 kilometer long string of eleven main islands and many smaller rocks lie northeast-to southwest across the southern end of the Drake Passage. The Shetlands are a great contrast to many visitors black-and-white notions of how Antarctica might appear. This is warmest, wettest, and most colorful part of the continent. The species diversity is enormous. Historically, this region was the focus of extensive sealing operations in the 1820’s.
Skipped breakfast and lunch, still in bed. Later on, felt much better; attended a kayak briefing in the Library. Got all equipment by Dan and Andy. After the dinner - like a new! Feeling great. Already by the South Shetland Islands, through English Strait. Boat landing and extended walk at Barrientos /Aitcho Island.
First encounter with the penguins – they have right off. Saw a king penguin, very rare situation for this part of Antarctica. Poor guy, trying to make connections with others but no success. Later on the ship saw the video that one of the passengers took at the previous tour about this penguin following the gentoo one and trying to mate! Walked to the other side of island to see sea lions – all at sleep. Walk through the creek of fresh water and empty egg shells. Newly born penguins under the parents looking for food. One penguin playing with the stick, while the others are stilling the stones from the others trying to (re)build their own nests.
Dr Maureen’s birthday, great ice-cream cake for all after dinner.
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.