Travel and Deal features ‘Maple Syrup and Chill’ a 25 year old health professional with a passion for adventure. She runs her own travel blog and page sharing her adventures as she travels around the world. Maple Syrup shares tips on planning, budget, accommodation, sample itineraries on adventures and activities. She’ll guide you on the road to your very own adventure. Follow her blog and instagram page at https://maplesyrupandchill.wordpress.com/ and instagram https://www.instagram.com/maplesyrupandchill/ for stunning travel photography and tips to wet your appetite for Wanderlust!
VENTURING TO THE “UNTOUCHED CONTINENT”
– Maplesyrupandchill.
A picture is worth a thousand words – a saying that couldn’t suit this scenario any more. I often get asked what it was like to visit Antarctica and I always find myself at a loss for words – Incredible? Amazing? Overwhelming? I wasn’t sure. Eventually I settled for “It was like jumping into a postcard”
(Antarctica – photo credit – maplesyrupandchill )
Having been an avid traveler for the majority of my life, I had ticked off 6 out of the 7 continents by the age of 24. My passion for travel had stemmed from interests in experiencing different cultures, meeting new people, being immersed in their stories and seeking adventures in new cities and towns. Of course, you may be curious as to why I would venture to Antarctica – a continent with none of the aforementioned. 11th November 2014 – This is when, I too, was taken by surprise.
(Antarctica – photo credit – maplesyrupandchill )
I found culture in the stillness of the continent, adventures in the form of zodiac boats, snowshoes and kayaking around, adventuring to different islands and most importantly, forming connections with the wildlife.
Of course it wasn’t all a smooth ride getting there. We set out on our 90-passenger ship from Ushuaia (in Argentina) – a city also known as the end of the world. It is the southern most tip of South America and is a major port for ships leaving for the white continent. The first 2 and half days are the most fun-filled! You get to cross the perilous Drake passage! This passage is the term used to describe the waters between Cape Horn, Chile and Southern Shetland Islands, Antarctica. Notorious for causing sea-sickness, how would I best describe my experience crossing the Drake Passage? Imagine being tumbled in a washing machine on medium speed. Indeed.
(Antarctica – photo credit – maplesyrupandchill)
(Antarctica – photo credit – maplesyrupandchill )
Despite being warned about the sea-sickness and unpredictable tides, it didn’t really hit me until both my chair and I had gone from vertical to horizontal position whilst sitting down at lunch. We had no option but to hold on tight! At some points, the ship was swaying uncontrollably, I felt. There was even one period when the crew had advised everyone to stay in our cabins whilst dinner was delivered. It was just too risky for the passengers to sit in the dining area due to the intense climatic conditions. Our minds were put at ease via daily lectures and information sessions on spotting wildlife, safety and Antarctic history. I have profound respect for the initial adventurers and mariners who have allowed us to make such visits, due to their consistent efforts to cross the Drake Passage and explore the Antarctic continent.
( Antarctica – photo credit – maplesyrupandchill)
Numerous sea-sickness episodes and falls later, that first landing onto the untouched continent will be the moment that is forever embedded in my memory. The difficulties endured in getting here all of a sudden seemed so minuscule. The sightings of endless icebergs floating in the clear waters forming mirrored reflections, insanely shaped glaciers coated in dripping icicles – all enveloped by enthralling stillness, so overwhelming, to think that some of these spots were still untouched and pure. I still remember my jaw dropping and being completely mesmerized by the tranquility. The oasis of serenity was broken when the distracting Gentoo penguins had waddled into sight.
(Antarctica – photo credit – maplesyrupandchill )
One of the absolute highlights of this trip was the wildlife – Antarctica and it’s Sub – continent Islands are known to host 8 varieties of penguins. We saw Adelie, Chinstrap and Gentoo penguin colonies as well as several types of Albatross and Petrels. Oh, and let’s not forget the adorable seals! We came across Antarctic Fur Seals, Southern Elephant Seals, Weddell Seals, Crabeater kinds and Leopard Seals. Another hobby that kept everyone entertained whilst on board was whale watching! We were fortunate enough to sight Humpback Whales, Orcas and Antarctic Minke whales.
(Antarctic Fur Seals – photo credit – maplesyrupandchill )
Our landings were made via zodiac boats and usually lasted about 2 and half hours or before the frost bite got the better of us. During these landings, we were able to explore the Islands on foot and get completely engrossed in the surroundings and wildlife. I distinctly remember that our very last visit was cut short due to drastic snowstorms. I think I lasted about 30 minutes before calling it quits and jumping into a zodiac boat ready to thaw back inside our cruise ship.
(Antarctica – photo credit – maplesyrupandchill )
One memorable landing was our trip to Port Lockroy – A British territory and also the home of the Antarctica Post Office – such a novelty. I remember sending 3 post cards from there and just when I was convinced they had gone missing during the delivery process – my family and friends received them and this was several months after I had already returned back home.
If you’re interested in a change of career and want to experience something out of this world – working at the Penguin Post Office could be your calling! Indeed, they require 2 staff to operate this base for each season usually. Details can be found at ukaht.org
The visiting season usually runs from late October to early March. You can plan your visit well depending on what sort of wildlife you are interested in seeing. For example – catching the penguin breeding season.
(Antarctica – photo credit – maplesyrupandchill )
(Antarctica – photo credit – maplesyrupandchill )
Take a look at some of the optional activities we got to participate in! Snowshoeing, Kayaking in pristine waters, zodiac boat cruising and some of us even went in for a quick dip in Antarctic waters! I came out alive only because I followed the crew’s instructions – “Run into the water quick and run out faster”
(Antarctica – photo credit – maplesyrupandchill )
If you haven’t already added this untouched continent to your bucket list, I can’t recommend it enough. Despite being the most expensive destination I have travelled to, I can provide additional tips and the best way to secure cheap deals without breaking your bank account. Feel free to shoot me an email or comment if you have any questions!
You heard her – head on over to https://maplesyrupandchill.wordpress.com/ for more adventures, tips and breathtaking vistas!
