I had heard tales of taking the "polar plunge", but it usually involved a 2 second dip into arctic waters, or running in from a beach and then jumping in a hot spring. After our final landing on our final day in Antarctica, our guides decided to give us the opportunity to experience this crazy (and probably really stupid) activity. We had no idea that they had a slightly different challenge in mind for us!
So, here is the story of how I took the polar plunge
Step #1: Get suited up:
Step #2: Get courage from a stiff drink:
Step #3: Be the first two in line so you don't have to wear a wet harnass (then start wondering about WHY you need to wear a harnass)
While in line, start to notice what the crew is wearing, and that they keep moving icebergs out of the way in the water:
Step #4: Get harnassed in:
Step #5: Listen to instructions (assuming:"Jump in and climb out"): I'm sorry, did the guide in the zodiac 100 feet away just say "Jump in and swim to me" ??????
Step #6: Against all your better reasoning skills, JUMP!:
Step #7: Start swearing and swim for your life:
Step #8: Reach the other boat, so excited to make the pain stop: I'm sorry, what did you just say? SWIM BACK!?!?!?!
Step #9: Realize you should pay closer attention to what will be expected of you, start swearing and swimming again:
Step #10: Make your glorious escape from the icy abyss:
Step #11: Take the obligatory "we did it!" photo:
Step #12: Enjoy the sensation of feeling returning to our bodies in the hot tub:
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.