Today we are in Endicott Arm. We get to take the kayaks out to get a closer view of Dawe's Glacier. The sound the cracking ice makes is eerie. Watching the Glacier calf is even more amazing. We can't get too close as some of the chunks of ice that fall off cause great waves that have potential to capsize us.
We also have to beware of kayaking too close to the icebergs. They can turn over and be even bigger on the underside. The wind coming off the Glacier is also making it hard for us to keep the kayak in one place.
After returning to the boat, it is time swim amongst the Glaciers. It is exhilarating, it makes me feel alive. I have to do it two more times just to be sure I am still alive. Thanks goodness there is hot chocolate and a hot tub waiting for me.
Tonight we have the captain's dinner. The staff has gone all out with decorations, costumes and much more. The mood is slightly dampened by the swaying of the boat and breaking of glass as we hit some rough water. Thanks to our trusty captain, we make it to a cove where we anchor for the evening.
I can't decide if I am sad that it is our last night in this amazing place or if I am excited to go home. In the end, I think it must be a little of both.
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.