Antarctica
We have just about come to the end of our Antarctic Adventure. Today is a day at sea. As we transit the Drake Passage, we are escorted from the Antarctic Peninsula by the ever-present petrels and albatross. They soar to and fro behind the ship, swooping down on the water, and at the last second gracefully pulling up before they hit the water. The seabirds glide so close to the ship, it almost seems they could perch on your arm.
We had an extraordinary time on the Antarctic Peninsula. I think most people have lost count of the number of whales we have seen. And the ice . . . how it can hold so many forms; the enormous tabular bergs, the bergy bits, brash ice, and fast ice. There truly is nowhere else on earth like Antarctica. It has the ability to take your breath away time after time.
I think one must give credit where credit is due for this incredible trip. We must thank the officers, crew, and staff. Our captain Leif Skog, our ice master, can steer the ship so close to the bergs, you feel as though you can touch them. I do not think anyone will forget how he "parked" the Endeavour in the fast ice at Port Lockroy, and we were able to put down the gangway, and walk over to the British Station. Thanks to Tom Ritchie our expedition leader for deciding, with the captain, all the wonderful places we were able to visit, and making it such a fulfilling trip. Thanks to the staff who are an endless fountain of knowledge and energy; driving Zodiacs at all hours, giving lectures, and always going that extra mile.
Thanks to the crew onboard the Endeavour. The galley for always preparing delicious food, and mulled wine, ready after a cold excursion. The hotel staff, for making the guests feel like this is a home away from home. For the last 10 days we have experienced a place very few other people have. The memories are now engraved in our minds, and I am sure no one will forget the Ice Continent.
We have just about come to the end of our Antarctic Adventure. Today is a day at sea. As we transit the Drake Passage, we are escorted from the Antarctic Peninsula by the ever-present petrels and albatross. They soar to and fro behind the ship, swooping down on the water, and at the last second gracefully pulling up before they hit the water. The seabirds glide so close to the ship, it almost seems they could perch on your arm.
We had an extraordinary time on the Antarctic Peninsula. I think most people have lost count of the number of whales we have seen. And the ice . . . how it can hold so many forms; the enormous tabular bergs, the bergy bits, brash ice, and fast ice. There truly is nowhere else on earth like Antarctica. It has the ability to take your breath away time after time.
I think one must give credit where credit is due for this incredible trip. We must thank the officers, crew, and staff. Our captain Leif Skog, our ice master, can steer the ship so close to the bergs, you feel as though you can touch them. I do not think anyone will forget how he "parked" the Endeavour in the fast ice at Port Lockroy, and we were able to put down the gangway, and walk over to the British Station. Thanks to Tom Ritchie our expedition leader for deciding, with the captain, all the wonderful places we were able to visit, and making it such a fulfilling trip. Thanks to the staff who are an endless fountain of knowledge and energy; driving Zodiacs at all hours, giving lectures, and always going that extra mile.
Thanks to the crew onboard the Endeavour. The galley for always preparing delicious food, and mulled wine, ready after a cold excursion. The hotel staff, for making the guests feel like this is a home away from home. For the last 10 days we have experienced a place very few other people have. The memories are now engraved in our minds, and I am sure no one will forget the Ice Continent.
