Travel
In addition to landings, we often
took zodiac cruises along the
coastline to get up an up-close look
at the icebergs, bird rookeries and
glaciers. Occasionally, we spotted
seals sprawled across the glowing
ice structures. Massive in size, they
rarely moved from their frozen
Barcaloungers. And then there were
the whales. Sometimes we were
lucky to see them while we were in
the zodiacs; other times, we intently
observed them from the ship as they
spouted or fed on large amounts of
krill. These small crustaceans are
abundant in Antarctic waters and
virtually all of the animals in
Antarctica are dependent on the
enormous populations of krill for
their food, directly or indirectly.
When a large pod of humpbacks went
by, it was akin to whales on parade
– a magical Disney-like moment that
felt unreal.
Depending on the cruise itinerary,
ar off r oth r o tiona
activities, such as a one-night
camp-out on land, kayaking, crosscountry skiing and even stand-up
paddleboarding. There’s also the
opportunity to do a polar plunge. I
joined 50 brave folks for this
challenge that involved jumping into
the icy cold 28 degree water from
off o th hi
o
t
Th
shock to your system when your
body makes contact with this
freezing aquatic milieu is
indescribable. The good thing is that
you are quickly pulled out, given a
shot of vodka and wrapped in a
towel before the whole experience
actually registers. Those who
successfully accomplished this feat
ar i n rti at att tin to
their insanity and have eternal
bragging rights.
Back on the ship, there’s no time to
be bored. Quark values the
educational component and the
expedition team is passionate about
sharing its wealth of knowledge
about everything Antarctica. They
are enthusiastic, fun and caring
individuals that have a deep, abiding
respect for this wondrous continent.
In addition to the daily lectures,
th r ar
oo a o t a t
explorations, maps, charts, photos
and many resources for passengers.
And, of course, there’s time to just
try to soak it all in and treasure this
dramatic place – the only spot on
earth that is still as it should be,
untamed and untouched.
If you go:
www.adventure-life.com/
antarctica
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