Our land exploration of Antarctica began at Paulet Island, at the northeast tip of the Antarctic Peninsula and the northwest limit of Erebus and Terror Gulf. There we wandered in the midst of colonies of Adele Penguins and Antarctic Shags (cormorants). We also visited the gravesite of Ole Christian Wennersgard, who died in 1902 during the Swedish Antarctic Expedition. From there the ship headed a short distance south to Brown Bluff, on the Antarctic continent proper. The highlights there were Southern - yes, finally, Southern - Giant Petrels, crabeater seals, and a Snow Petrel chick, still in its nest inside a cave. In addition, there was lots of activity in the Gentoo Penguin colony. Chicks, by now as large as or larger than their parents, were begging to be fed one more time. Some parents cooperated but others tried their best to chase the chicks into the ocean. It is essential that the chicks become independent at about this time as the parents begin to molt, and while molting cannot feed the chicks, so if the chicks remain dependent on the parents they will be unable to survive. The scenes were comical to observe - parents chasing chicks, chicks chasing parents - but for the penguins themselves they were a matter of survival.
We then crossed over to the west side of the Antarctic Peninsula and spent several hours at a colony of Chinstrap Penguins. One individual, in particular, attracted my attention. He - as the males build the ''nests'' it was almost certainly a male - seemed confused about the fact that breeding season was long since over. Chinstraps build nests of pebbles or small rocks, and they, like other penguins, are not above stealing rocks from their neighbors. This individual was busy ''stealing'' rocks to build his own nest, but it was obviously to no purpose and the neighboring penguins didn't even seem to care. Perhaps he was an adolescent, just practicing skills he would need in the future. But perhaps he was just confused.
We had one final land expedition on Antarctica, at Goudier Island. The island is the home of Port Lockroy, an historic site that was a British base during World War II. We had the opportunity to have our passports stamped there, and a final opportunity to spend time with Gentoo Penguins. To my knowledge nobody on the trip brought a penguin home, though many of us were tempted.
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
4 days ago
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
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.