Antarctica - The 7th Continent
The Sea Spirit was quite a "Spirited" Yacht as it was home to 112 adventurers and excited passengers like us for 11 days. Our fellow adventurers were from all over the globe - each of the other 6 continents represented.
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With luxurious accommodations, an enthusiastic, eager to please crew and staff, we were able to focus on the journey of a lifetime - in style and comfort.
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The 7th continent held turquoise and alabaster glaciers, species of penguins galore, sea lions, whales, seals and all sorts of sea birds for us to enjoy - but maybe marvel is a better word. We witnessed avalanches, glaciers calving, penguin pups crying for more food, seals play fighting, petrels and albatross riding the air currents, and whales spouting so close they took your breath away.
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The cold air was a challenge for us (Floridians), as we had to dress in numerous layers. Including the heavy waterproof boots, our gear probably weighed about ten (10) pounds. But trudge up and down the snowy/icy/rocky hills, despite winds and sometimes freezing temperatures we did. And we did it with gusto always ready for the next surprise.
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Probably the biggest surprise was watching Glenn take his Antarctic Polar Plunge - what stamina to endure water at 1 degree Celsius (33 degrees F.). But with a big jump in and an even bigger smile in the hot tub after a memorable event will live on in our mind always.
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The Antarctic Polar Plunge
We became expert zodiac riders, experienced snow trekkers and humbled by mother natures creations. Despite the many photos and descriptions, there is nothing to capture the true essence of Antarctica - including the smell with the Penguin Poop. It is something that must be experienced to be truly understood and most importantly be preserved for generations to come.
The Beagle Channel and Drake Passage
Our trip started with cruising down the Beagle channel and crossing the Drake Passage which is referred to the "Drake Shake" because it can be very turbulent or the "Drake Lake" when its not too rough. We were lucky - it was not too but we did have a bit of rocking and rolling. Here are a few photos of the start of our Adventure to the 7th Continent.
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Petrels flying
around the ship - where do they come from? We must be close to land. |
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Our first land sighting after crossing the Drake. We hit the South Shetland Islands - Barrinatros Island - so its time to layer up and head for the zodiacs on our first zodiac landing and explore.
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Penguin Sightings Galore - Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguins and a Fur Seal sighting.
Wilhemina Bay Antarctica - Our Leader renamed it "Whale- hemina" Bay because of all the whale sightings. We did an unplanned Zodiac Cruise to get up close and personal to the Whales. We also saw many Icebergs.
Whale Tails
Denise does the Penguin 'Soupy' Shuffle
Lemaire Channel and Petermann Island
Cape Horn
Us-ie with Cape horn in Background
Sun Rising as we End our Antarctic Adventure and Pull into Ushuaia Port
And a Poem by Denise summarizing our Adventure.