You imagine snow and ice in Antarctica, especially as the winter is starting to roll back in. Rain is not what I expected, but that is exactly what we got for the next day.
We arrived at Half Moon Island and while the seas were not ideal, Kevin deemed them safe enough for us to attempt our first kayak outing. None of us were super experienced, and loading into kayaks from a zodiac was a whole new challenge. Add freezing cold rain/snow mix to that and it becomes really interesting.
Despite the elements, we had a successful launch. The paddling was rough, but we had a chance to see penguins and fur seals (some even came out to play with us), before deciding we were thoroughly wet and exhausted and ready to head back to the ship. This was the only time that none of the kayakers chose to go ashore after paddling!
The afternoon had less of a rain/snow mix, and more just rain. We made our way through Neptune's Bellows and marveled at how close we had to come to the rocks to make the passing into the volcano's cauldera:
We boarded our zodiacs and made for shore on Deception Island.
The black sand made this a unique stop along our route, and all of the wreckage and ruins from the whaling station at Whaler's Bay kept us interested despite the less than desirable conditions
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.