Antarctica is a bucket list destination
for so many, what was it like to witness
the last frontier for the first time?
Definitely a bucket list item for both
of us. I guess we always anticipated
it would be an amazing experience,
however, you just don't realise how
truly amazing it really is until you see
it with your own eyes. You could
use words like magical, awesome,
sensational, beautiful, incredible to
attempt to describe it, but these words
don't go close to doing it justice.
How was your experience crossing
the Drake Passage?
We had the Drake 'Shake' for both
crossings. Anna heeded the advice
of the bus guide on the way from
the airport and took her seasickness
tablets early as we set sail.
Unfortunately, I did not and so was
a little unwell the following morning.
It was a much better experience
coming home with the aid of
medication.
What was it like setting foot on the
Antarctic peninsula?
We found it quite humbling to be standing
on the Antarctic continent surrounded by
all of its beauty and serenity.
Can you tell us about some of the
wildlife experiences you enjoyed?
From onboard the ship, we enjoyed
sightings of humpback whales and
a minke whale playing under the bow
as well as numerous sightings of the
various birds that nest in the area.
On land, we got up close and personal
with lots of Gentoo, Adelie and Chinstrap
penguins, the Weddell, Antarctic Fur
and Southern Elephant seals and the
odd Leopard seal.
How many excursions did you do
each day?
Most days we did one excursion being the
Zodiac landings, although we did do the
Special Operations Boat on the first day
as well. The weather conditions were not
that favourable for the kayaks although
some passengers did give them a go.
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