The overwhelming majority of my friends, colleagues and especially my wife had the first reaction when I told them that I was heading to Antarctica for the third time. “But this trip was different,” I noted. This time I was heading down to the icy continent to see whales on One Ocean Expeditions’ “Marine Mammals of Antarctica” trip. One Ocean Expeditions, who hosted me on this trip, describes it as “whale watching on an adventure cruise along the Antarctic Peninsula.” That simple phrase doesn’t do this trip justice.
Rather than try to describe the trip at this point (I will when I write my article, which will probably come out later this year), I will let my photos tell the story. I am not a professional photographer nor am I well versed in the technical features of photography or of my-easy-to-use, point-and-click Panasonic Lumix (no renumeration was exchanged for this blatant plug — I’m just appreciative of a good product). Antarctica can turn every amateur photographer into a pro. It is just, hands down, the most photogenic place on earth.
That’s all I’m going to say (other than give credit for the “why or wow” distinction to someone on the cruise — unfortunately I can’t remember who). The first four photos are of Ushuaia, the town at the bottom of Argentina where the trip began, the ship, and my cabin. After that, it’s all Antarctica.
And this last photo is of me in a moment of reflection captured by another passenger on the boat (whose name I’ve also forgotten). I remember the moment though. It was at the end of our last shore excursion, essentially the end of the trip. Since I probably won’t pass this way again, I was trying to burn the view, the experience and my feelings into my memory. I’m not sure if I succeeded.If you’re interested, I’ll let you know in a few years.
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Great photos, Don. Glad you got to immerse yourself in something you love.
Don, great to hear from you. Where are you guys living these days? Give my regards to Sandi.
Beautiful. I was on the excursion before yours and am so ready to go back. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for commenting. I’m glad you liked the photos, but I guess you probably have some spectacular shots of your own.
Looks like you’ve been bitten by the bug and are now addicted to Antarctica too Don – welcome to AA (Antarctics Anonymous).
Not so “anonymous,” but yes, I’ve obviously been bitten. BTW was it you who came up with “Antarctica, why or wow”?
Your photos are amazing- what an experience. A must see before the ice continues to melt.
left in my memory and in my heart.Your pictures are so beautifull ,the days spent on the icecontinent were so exeptional that we will never forget.
Thanks for this special artistic document.
Thanks Michele. I know what you mean. The photos keep pulling me back to the trip. But I have to move and start planning my next big trip — around the world from Los Angeles to Ireland, Scandinavia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. The last three will be on a two week trip that I will lead (see https://www.explorer-x.com/msa-southeast-asia-2019 for more info).