Travel

[Alter Ego]

Photos don’t do it justice.  I’m fairly certain this is what the dictionary calls “pristine” 

[Alter Ego]

We had one destination in mind.  Vernadsky Research Base - the Ukrainian scientific station that discovered the hole in the ozone layer. We would be the first visitors there since March 2018! Since our captain was also from the Ukraine, he definitely wanted to try to be first this season!

Snack on the way.  Of course one wants ice cream in Antarctica!!

Soon, it was zodiac time!

We’re never far away from wildlife

Kayakers went out anytime they could.  This was an expensive add on (over $1,000) and it sold out very early.  Possibly a year in advance.

I forget how many men live here during the year - maybe 12/15? No women.  We got a tour of the base.

[Kachina624]

@Alter Ego    You are real lover of travel, very adventurous, and confident.  I admire you for these traits but would never do the things you do.  I'm very comfy in my living room, but it sounds like you had a whale of a time (so to speak).  What's next?

[Alter Ego]

Was interesting to see some of the station, but probably more fun to meet the staff and see how they entertain!!

I paid for my shot.  Apparently, I could have also given them my bra.  One of the younger passengers on board did that!!

I’m including some of the more “boring” photos in the spoiler. We needed to walk around in our stocking feet

Spoiler

Oh!! They had a shop for souvenirs!! They took USD

In addition to the souvenir shop, one could buy stamps and send mail from here.  It is also where your passport can be stamped!!

Some photos from outside the base.  Penguins are never far away!!

Great view of the ship on the way back. Everyone pretty much agreed this was an amazing day!!

[Alter Ego]

Day 4

Crossing the Antarctic Circle. This was the entire purpose of taking this particular cruise. Less than 5,000 people do it each year...would we be one of them?

Well, our captain wasn’t going to stop now!! Again, we were the first to make it!! We didn’t get much further, turning back to less ice filled waters. 

Skies were much grayer today!! We did have multiple seals surrounding us.

Wish I could post video.  These two followed next to the ship for quite a while!

We had our first of two proposals on board (not my photo)

Also not my photo

Yeah us!!

[Alter Ego]

That’s it for tonight and for the daily schedule. Will try to post more on Friday (seeing Captain Marvel tomorrow night)

Maybe will give me time to edit. LOL Does anyone think that will really happen?

[phoenixbrd]

@Alter Ego Love this....your spirit and courage is infectious.  Thank you for your inspiring photos.  I'm curious how much luggage did you have to take with you.  I noticed that most had a backpack, could you do this trip with only a backpack?  How far in advance did you have to plan for this trip?  You mentioned about reserving the kayak a year in advance.  Did you do that...and would it be worth it?  Loved the wildlife and the ability to be so much a part of the natural surrounding.  If it wasn't for your "traveling to all continents"...would this be a vacation destination?  What is your next adventure?

If this is number 2 on your bucket list....I'm wondering what your number one is?

[Happiness Is Inside JOB]

@Alter Ego 

wow!!! wHAT A TRIP!!

I am so happy you went.  I LOVE TO TRAVEL but my funds are limited and I LIVE THROUGH YOUR PICTURES.

I watching Andy Griffith and my cat is sitting on my lap.

I am reading and scrolling your pictures saying WOW, WOW....

My cat looking back like...what are you looking at???

I enjoyed this trip so much.  I have been to Alaska but what you saw on this trip is the BEST ever.

I am going to go back and start reading your posting all OVER AGAIN!!!

[Alter Ego]

@Happiness Is Inside JOB There’s more to come! Polar plunging, camping, a leopard AND an elephant!! Hope to finish up this weekend!

@phoenixbrd @Kachina624 Next trip is American Southwest.

@phoenixbrd I reserved this trip the day it went on sale.  I was in the least expensive double room and at one point I saw that this level was sold out (looked last March, when I reserved Patagonia.) I also reserved camping at this time - this also sold out quickly.  In fact, I may have been wrong about the year in advance for kayaking.  All of the extras went very very quickly (I did not kayak) However, I know some people planned very last minute.  There must have been a cancellation as my roommate planned it in September 2018. 

I cant recall the weight limits, but carryon bags were 5kg and checked bags were 20 or 25. I actually bought yet another bag to give myself 5 more pounds. They weighed your bags the night before and were very serious about even 1kg over.  Hard to do; left quite a bit at the hotel to get when we returned. But, they didn’t weigh again the next morning and I know one person who didn’t care and carried on his very heavy camera equipment.  My roommate used a CPAP machine and that was not included in the limit.

#1 is gorillas in Rwanda. Lots of places I want to see in the world, but this is the tippy top!

Not sure if I would have come here if not for the 7th continent.  I do travel for wildlife, so it’s possible. But I can’t really say yes or no.  I don’t know!

[haddon9]

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@Kachina624 wrote:

@Alter Ego    You are real lover of travel, very adventurous, and confident.  I admire you for these traits but would never do the things you do.  I'm very comfy in my living room, but it sounds like you had a whale of a time (so to speak).  What's next?

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My feelings exactly!  I'm much more into being comfortable while traveling and I can certainly imagine losing a boot in the snow just like you did!

Thank you so much for posting your expereince & photos.  I enjoyed viewing it very much from the comforts of home!