Escaping the cold and heading to Antarctica!
I live in Canada where the winters can be cold, very very cold. So to escape the chilly season, my husband Norm and I plan tropical getaways. We have a bucket list of 100 places we want to explore, and things to try or experience.
So far, we have been to every continent, except one. So off we go, not to a tropical destination this time, but to the ice and snow of the Antarctica.
There won’t be any palm trees swaying in the warm breeze, open-air markets selling local fresh fruits, or bicycles to rent.
However, there will be magnificent icebergs, unpredictable weather, the challenging Drake Passage, rare wildlife, and a sense of remoteness while we kayak in the clear icy waters of Antarctica.
What do I expect on this trip?
Jet lag! With over a day’s worth of traveling that includes 3 connecting flights, my body will long for a bed to stretch out in once we arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina. The time change and jet lag may hinder my ability to sleep. Well worth it I’d say.
To explore Ushuaia and the area around it and learn what life this far south is like.
To survive the Drake Shake! We will travel 1000km (800 mi) crossing the Drake Passage to the South Shetland Islands. The Drake Passage was historically feared by sailors and is still known today as one of the most dangerous bodies of water in the world. It can lovingly offer up calm waters, Drake Lake, or rough seas, Drake Shake. Coming from one who gets motion sickness in a fishing boat, I truly hope we come across more lake than shake.
I look forward to scouting for exotic and remote wildlife. Whales, penguins, seals, birds and who knows what else.
I expect to experience the feeling of awe and wonder at this extreme polar environment and ecosystem.
Odds are pretty good spotting Icebergs, big massive beautiful icebergs will be easy and humbling.
Kayaking up close and personal with icebergs and wildlife will be a highlight.
Of course, meeting people and making new friends as we spend a week cruising through the icy waterway anxiously awaiting our next adventure or wildlife sighting.
And…. maybe a polar plunge will be in order.
I took this photo at Abraham Lake, Alberta, Canada. I wonder if the colors I see in Antarctica will be similar.
Since I have just launched my website and blog, check out my Facebook or Instagram page for more recent stories, and if you know someone who might like to follow along with us to Antarctica, share my post with them. Thanks, Maritta
