South Shetland Islands, Antarctica
Like crazy horns, the colony of penguins could be heard even from the Antarctic Dream. I didn't know they made such a sound. Squinting hard, I looked toward the exposed cliffs pushing through the snow. Small moving dots confirmed the fact that the colony was indeed there. The icy wind bitterly blowing, more layers were a must before heading to Half Moon Island...the first landing in Antarctica. Was I really here??? The coldness on my cheeks mixed with the sounds of penguins made reality shout “YES!” and then off to the right it hit my core as I looked at a glowing piece of ice. Blue ice they call it, formed from thousands of years of compaction. Never before had my eyes seen such a thing. Glowing softly...a radiant blue, this truly was Antarctica.
Layers on layers, I prepared for the cold. Soon I'd be out there with the playful penguins...here at the bottom of the world!!! I pulled my second jacket over the first, twisting my arm down the sleeve until my hand popped out of the cuff. Thick hat, two pairs of gloves, waterproof pants and rubber boots, I waited in line to board the zodiac. Being surrounded by land, the boat had ceased to rock and everyone was up and moving. No more sea sickness. Excitement filled the air and smiles came easily to people's faces. All were about to experience a dream of a life time. Stepping into the sanitation bucket (to kill any microorganism on the boots...a standard procedure for Antarctica), I thought how the name of this boat fit so perfectly. Antarctic Dream. Written on the back of the red coat in front of me, I knew for me...this was true. It was a dream to be here and as I made my way down the metal stairs into the small rubber zodiac, I knew my dream was about to become a reality.
Before I knew it, the small zodiac was on shore. A few quick movements and then I was standing on land!
Glossy, black stones under my feet
Snow scattered with dark red in front of me
Cliffs beyond
Forgetting about the cold, I looked left. Next to an antique rowboat, a penguin hopped out of the ocean and then a second appeared from under the froth of the wave. Just 15 feet away, I stood and stared.
Hearing the movement of rocks behind me, I turned as Jamie, one of the expert naturalists, approached. I could see his eyes smiling and even though he was loaded down in layers as I, his step had a lightness to it. “How are you gals doing?'' asked his cheerful voice. I answered and then asked him the same. His answer was already displayed through his gestures. “I'm home” he sighed with arms open wide. Simple yet filled with so much passion.
How could Antarctica be home? Cold, so far from civilization... Looking around, I began to see what he meant. This place was special, and the girl next to me stated as much. His response left a delightful suspense. “Oh and this is just the beginning”. Smiling, Jamie pointed to the tour guide for the island and as I walked away I knew I was stepping not only onto a new continent, but also into a world of inconceivable adventures.
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
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.