I might be fairly unfastened with the phrase “there are not any phrases” – which I then comply with up with plenty of phrases – however Antarctica actually defies description and is definitely essentially the most particular place I’ve been fortunate sufficient to go to.
Earlier than I set off on on my Best of Antarctica expedition, I used to be positively nervous. I hadn’t been that nervous a couple of journey in a very very long time, however the butterflies settled in early. A few of it was pleasure for such a once-in-a-lifetime expertise (that and penguins, obvi), however Antarctica is simply so distant and so not like something I’ve performed earlier than. I like travelling out of my consolation zone, and over time I’ve inched additional and additional into the wild, however I often do my extra adventurous journey with my husband, and this time I used to be setting off alone.
I feel everybody on board had somewhat second when the Ocean Endeavour formally left port in Ushuaia after which once more once we misplaced telephone sign, simply appreciating that remoteness. I positively had some butterflies that night however as soon as I busied myself with briefings and chatting with the opposite passengers, the realisation that I used to be really on my approach kicked in.
I knew Antarctica would showcase some unimaginable wildlife, however I had no concept we’d be continually surrounded by so many curious little souls!
We arrived into Antarctic waters in blustery snow and low visibility. I might simply make out the define of glaciers within the distance. However the subsequent day, one in all my new mates rang me in my cabin tremendous early and informed me to get outdoors immediately. The skies had been crystal-clear blue and completely nonetheless. All over the place you appeared was like a postcard.
Every single day blew my thoughts differently. I knew going into this journey that essentially the most pristine pure setting on this planet would showcase some incredible wildlife, however I had no concept we’d be continually surrounded by so many curious little souls! I noticed so many whales, penguins and seals. Nature is actually exhibiting off in Antarctica. It was so breathtaking to expertise this valuable ecosystem, particularly alongside the skilled Intrepid crew who took biosecurity so critically – they actually cowl up your footprints on the finish of each land tour!
However the feeling that may ceaselessly stick to me is the large perspective shift that occurs if you go. That type of mind stretch is what I like most about journey, but it surely’s on steroids right here, as a result of there’s simply nothing you’ll be able to relate it to in your regular life. It’s the fantastic thing about nature at her most pristine and untouched. It’s how microscopic people are in time and area. How essential science is that nations will share Antarctica peacefully simply to grasp and defend it. What number of fascinating individuals you meet on board and the way invigorating it’s to dwell within the second.
Nothing you count on will match as much as what it’s really like.
Watch Sarah’s journey unfold above and discover out how to choose the best Antarctica expedition for you.
