Zodiac excursion during an Antarctica nature tourLatitude: 54 15.0' S, Longitude: 68 19.0' W, Wind Speed: 0 knots 0, Weather Conditions: calm, Distance covered in previous 24 hours: 0.0 nautical miles (nm), Air Temperature: 0 C, Sea Temperature: 0 C It was nice getting a full night's sleep in Ushuaia, waking up excited for the adventures ahead. During breakfast at the hotel, I realized that there was an inch of snow on the ground in Ushuaia. Isn't this the summer in Argentina? I would hate to see the winter here! Out in the Beagle Channel, a white ship was pulling into port. Could that be the my ship, the Professor Molchanov? All of the travelers met in the lobby of the hotel to prepare for the beginning of our trip. It was interesting meeting this diverse group with travelers ranging in age from 21-75 years and representing many countries, but we all shared the adventurous spirit and desire to visit Antarctica. First, we took a trip to Tierra del Fuego National Park. It was a surprisingly snowy trip but an interesting opportunity to see the park with a guide who explained the history, flora and fauna of this park that is literally at the end of the world. It was a good opportunity to introduce myself to my fellow adventurers over a cup of hot chocolate. We boarded the Professor Molchanov at 1600 hrs, the suns rays were tempered by an icy blast seemingly straight from our destination, Antarctica. At last we were soon to be on our way to the great white continent. Before the mooring ropes were freed, the first item on the agenda was to meet the staff -- at 1645 hrs in the lounge/bar we were duly introduced to the staff by our Expedition Leader Jonas Wikander. The three lecturers, Trevor Potts, Nigel Milius and Barrie McKelvey are experts in the fields of exploration and history, biology, and geology and glaciology respectively. We also met our Kayak/Camping Master, Tim Thomas, and Kayak Guide, Louise Adie, for those intrepid souls signed up for such excursions. All in all, a team with vast experience of the regions we are to explore over the next ten days. We also met the most important man on the ship, Captain Evgeny Baturkin, who proved to be a great leader and set an example for such a wonderful crew. We sailed through the Beagle Channel toward open water and the famous (or infamous) Drake Passage with which we would become well acquainted with over the next two days. I spent time out on the bow of the boat watching dolphins \"bow ride\" the Molchanov, surfing its wake and accompanying us out to the open sea. As we retired to our bunks I wondered what mood this stretch of water was going to show us; would it be mountainous seas and gale force winds, or would it be serene and glasslike? Time would tell.
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.
