Antarctica - Experiencing the 7th Continent

While I was on the two-day journey through the Drake Passage, I wondered if it was going to be worth it.  While seasickness is not an issue for me, seeing huge waves bigger than the ship and constant pitch was a little disconcerting. 

And then the first sight of the majestic mountains and the vast awe-inspiring beauty of Antarctica and I knew that I had made the right decision.  From every angle there were mountains, glaciers, icebergs, and wildlife.  My senses were overloaded!  

The first zodiac ride was pure adrenaline as we suited up in all of our gear to be out in the elements.  We boarded the zodiac and started the journey through an icy path to the landing area. 

Here we were greeted by scores of penguins who were our entertainers.  They waddled around coming and going but the best part was their true intrigue and curiosity. As we hiked around navigating through the rocks and ice you had a sense that you were in the middle of nowhere.  The smell of the penguin guano, the sounds of the flock, the crisp salty dry air made it surreal that we had finally made it to Antarctica.

There were several more landing and zodiac rides which built on my love for the 7^th continent, but the true experience was camping on the land. I was one of 18 who had the privilege of staying overnight on the continent. 

Anxiety was heightened to the unknown of what lies ahead. As we all dressed, we were wondering if this was going to be an epic adventure or one that we would regret signing up for. Camping is one thing, with singing around the campfire, having drinks with friends and food to share.  But sleeping in only a sleeping bag as protection in the elements of Antarctica was difficult to fathom at the moment.  And no, there would be no fire, drinks or food of any kind to be taken ashore.

As the zodiac landed , there immediately were penguins to greet us.  Waddling over as if to say hi and welcome! But as I watched the ship sail away and realized that we were here for the night it started to sink in; indeed we arrived, a small group, alone in the vast wilderness of Antarctica. 

We dug our holes in the snow which would house our sleeping bags and help to keep us shielded from the elements.  The task was a little harder than expected, as the layer of ice was challenging to pierce.  But slow and steady won the race, as we tried to make sure we were not working up a sweat leaving us cold and tired later. 

We took a hike around to appreciate our surroundings, then it was time to hunker down for the night.  Taking off our outerwear, we negotiated the sleeping bags and prepared for the evening. 

As everyone settled in, the silence became deafening.  You were now able to focus and be present in the moment.  You can hear the wind as it gently blows across the land.   You can hear the ice starting to creak and then the thundering sounds of the ice calving into the Antarctic waters.  The birds flying overhead and screeching, penguins were walking around to check in on us.  The sounds of the whales swimming by, hearing the water lap and then the release of their breath in a grunting sound.  These were the sounds of nature that could not be experienced any other way.   I felt connected to Antarctica and the environment in a manner that I never imagined.

Surviving the Drake passage, which only grew more ferocious on the way home, was a small price that I would gladly pay for the privilege of visiting the 7^th continent.  This was truly an epic adventure on a level that I never thought possible. 

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Cheryl.Cassie@CruisePlanners.com

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