We have seen so many videos, documentaries and photos on Antarctica we were wondering if it would switch to overload once we got there. It didn’t … In fact mere words cannot describe the magnificence of this place. Putting the journey into perspective I will tell you that I, and I believe Carol as well, do not deal with cold weather. To say the least we are tropical types and the extremes we experienced here (in summer) was hitting our limits.

Our ship MV Discovery

Life boat drill, lets hope we don't need to use them

Leaving Ushuaia along the Beagle Channel

We arrived in Ushuaia with colds/flues. This problem was caused by the extreme weather experienced between Cerro Sombrero and Rio Grande. Wind, rain and cold. Nothing serious but due to the upcoming venture we took our antibiotics and plenty of vitamin C to ensure the next ten days were taken in with clear heads and clear noses.

South Shetland Islands

Penguins South Shetland Islands

Zodiac Cruise

Zodiac Cruise

Zodiac cruising, do we look cold

Boarding, after dropping the bike off at the shipping agents bus shed, was a tough ask as we had to walk the length of the wharf with all our gear into a wind that would blow the kangaroo decal off a Qantas jumbo. On board, all was cosy, and our typical ship cabin catered for every need. The vessel we were sailing with is the sister ship of the famous ‘Love Boat’ and previously called ‘Island Princess’.

Arctoski Station King George Island

Black Penguin

Sleeping Seals

Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adelie Penguins

Penguins hitching a ride on an Ice Berg

Ice Berg

Ice Berg

Drake Passage was a ‘smooth crossing’ relayed to us by our Captain who happened to reside at Mapleton just north of Brisbane. Just like travelling with a neighbour.
Carol did not hear this declaration however and promptly got seasick. It was too late for the tablets so it was the needle in the backside…. Magic… She was back. Nothing worse than standing on an open deck in a freezing wind looking at spectacular icebergs and wildlife…alone. !!! The Drake Passage crossing took one and a half days.

More Ice Bergs

Penguins

Landing on Continental Antarctic Peninsular at Duthiers Point

Ken at Duthiers Point

Photos!!!! We have far too many photos of icebergs and penguins!!!! You had to be there to understand.

Lemaire Channel

Snowing on Half Moon Island

More Penguins

The experience of a lifetime. If you can do it ……do it, ‘itsonlymoney’!!!