Under the command of a pilot we headed out of port and east into the Beagle Channel, bound for the Falkland Islands. Meanwhile, we gathered for dinner and our first presentation by the expedition staff. And we were told that we should prepare for weather once the pilot disembarked and we entered the South Atlantic. I'm fortunate in that I don't get seasick, so the ocean conditions didn't trouble me. Attendance at meals throughout the first full day at sea, however, was somewhat limited. And the conditions were challenging for photography. I was able to get some reasonable photos of Northern Giant Petrels (yes, ''northern,'' - we were in Antarctica before we saw any Southern Giant Petrels), Black-browed Albatross and Southern Royal Albatross, along with a storm petrel - how do such small birds survive in the open ocean? I say ''reasonable photos,'' and in the edited format they are, but in the unedited versions the horizons were often 20 or 30 degrees off horizontal, the result of the motion of the ship through the wind and waves. The conditions made it impossible to stand on the foredeck but I was able to find some spots near the stern from which to observe and photograph, and spent almost every available moment there. The ocean is a special place, particularly in heavy 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.