Another exceptional day.
Saw a Snow Petrel while zodiac cruising Paradise Bay. The glaciers in Paradise Bay are the size of mountains as the zodiac gets as close to them without being in danger. The other zodiacs look miniscule compared to the glaciers. The water is so clear that the mirror image is breath taking and picturesque.
There is ice everywhere, Antarctica embodies 90% of the world's ice.
When the zodiac motor was stopped the sound was SILENT. Total silence is hard to find in civilization. We were apart of something that is difficult to explain.
Base Brown, another zodiac landing on the continent, is 1513 nautical miles north of the South Pole and 9288 nautical miles south of the north pole.
Gentoo Penguins nest here. Once again we were entertained by the antics of these amazing "birds".
I like how the Gentoo steal rocks from each others nests to build their own nests.
At this point of our adventure all passengers on board had been offered the chance to take a polar plunge. I took the challenge and "yes", I did it! I dived into the cold Southern ocean among the swimming penguins.
Another zodiac landing was made at Port Lockroy on Jougla Point, western end of Wiencke Island. A British Museum, research station and post office are stationed here.
The Gentoo on this landing were a lot younger. We saw chicks that were only a few days old and would most likely not survive the coming winter and frozen waters. They would become feed for the Brown and Antarctic Skuas. The parents are very vigilent and devoted to the fledglings. It is quite heartening to see.
To end the long day, some of the passengers, went camping on the cold ice of Antarctica. I was one of these brave souls. We took a zodiac about 45 minutes away from the ship, at 8:30 at night to Dorian Bay on the northwest end of Wiencke Island. We did not return until 5:45 the next morning. We had to pitch our own tents. The penguins made their penguin noises all night and Antarctic "thunder" raged on and off. It was comfortable but then the temperature of the ice soaked into our mats, sleeping bags and clothing. What an adventure!
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.