The day began auspiciously, spirits high, previously wobbly legs now bolstered with sea legs. Breakfast was just that: the breaking of an almost 12 hour fast upon the sturdy One Ocean Navigator: eggs and toast, bacon and sausage: things that make sea legs stronger. Then a quick realization: today is the day we drop zodiacs and meet the land we have all traveled long and far to kneel upon, counts penguins upon, ski upon, kayak near, gesticulate upon, pray upon and… A landing on the continent! After breakfast, we're off the ship and cruising through Mikkelsen Harbor. Gentoo and Macaroni Penguins are everywhere - thousands upon thousands. And most of them are interested in breeding. Gangs of Cape Petrels fly overhead while Weddell Seals keep their eyes on the penguins. Antarctic Terns perch on the ice and keep their distance. We are intruders, but we don't care right now. We go slow and respectfully and let the wildlife come to us. After lunch, we take a zodiac cruise through Graham Passage where I take some of the most beautiful photographs of my life. Even with the cheapest camera amongst the group, the majesty of Antarctica shines through. One of the most exciting and awaited sights of the Antarctic Peninsula is the sight of the white souls of the ice, the Snow Petrel. We were extremely lucky to see them today while cruising the Graham Passage flying along the brash ice and against the glacier face. The passengers tell stories of their experiences after dinner in the lounge, toasting to the luck of perfect weather.
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.