During my time on the Antarctic Peninsula I had daily land excursions, in zodiac vessels. I saw amazing wildlife in its harsh natural habitat. The scenery was breathtaking!
In Ushuaia, there appears to be many remnants of Argentina’s history related to it’s time in the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas). Yet when I visited the Falklands six years ago, there was absolutely no Argentinian presence. Only its war memorials indicate that Argentinians were ever there. Ushuaia is the most popular departure point for cruises to Antarctica, as well as the terminus for those traversing the Pan-American highway, which makes it very touristy. It’s full of quaint buildings and vibrant street art which celebrates its natural assets, location at the “end of the earth” and history as a harsh penal colony.
Melchior, an Argentinian research base on Antarctica’s Argentine Islands, set among beautiful glaciers and magnificent seals. Our last morning’s excursion was our last on Antarctic land. I got to say goodbye to the Gentoo penguins, meet a skua, and see its hatched eggs. Earlier in the trip, I had been calling this bird a skoal as I misinterpreted the guide’s French accent.
We reached Antarctica earlier than expected, so a surprise zodiac excursion was offered. I wanted to keep my massage appointment (don’t judge- they weren’t going on land anyway), so I admired from a distance, knowing there would be many more on this trip.
I missed a wine tasting because it conflicted with a zodiac excursion. As I passed the majestic glaciers, Weddell seals, gentoo penguins, crabeater seals, research bases (active and abandoned), and Antarctic plant life, then was surprised with champagne from our guide, it was confirmed that I could go to a wine tasting anytime. I would probably never again get the opportunity to sip champagne in a zodiac, between glaciers with these magnificent creatures in such a special place again!
On our first land excursion, as well as my first steps on my final continent, we spotted my old friends from the Falkland Islands, Gentoo penguins, as well as Chinstrap penguins, which I had never met before.
The terrain/temperature reminded me of the alpine desert zone of Kilimanjaro (cold but below glacier zone). I was dressed the same as for the top of Kilimanjaro and was hot, so Antarctica is officially NOT the coldest place I’ve visited.
During our time on the Antarctic Peninsula for five days, we had two land excursions daily, in small groups. We were loaded into zodiac vessels following VERY stringent protocols to protect the fragile environment, then spend about an hour on land (also with very strict guidelines).
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