End of journey to Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands.
Our voyage from the Falklands to Ushuaia, Argentina seemingly flitted by and
the ocean journey was fairly smooth going. There were a few things to do with
regards to disembarkation procedure instruction, return of goods and social
engagements. A few movies were shown and blog notes or photo edits to
complete.
Kudos to Aurora: before this trip I was rather negative about not getting on
the Shackleton traverse (see blog) , there were a few other matters
outside of this that perhaps magnified my distress. I realise that my mind was
shuttered to the other magnificent experience that the kayaking option
offered, indeed with the rugged weather we had upon entry to South Georgia the
Shackleton traverse in most likelihood would have been cancelled and there
wasn’t a lot of snow around on our final 6 km which was offered to all
passengers. The snow on the peninsula was skiable (though not the best) and
the amount of animals meant it would be restricted in a lot areas. Though most
of the snow was firm, snow shoes in my mind should be given to everyone, and I
would just take my own if they weren’t.
If it is in your mind to visit Antarctica and South Georgia, just go – you
are a long time underground
! Whether you are a shutterbug – like Jacqui (photo credit below) or a
generalist adventurer like moi there is something that will rock your boat.
Thanks also to my wife, Caroline for encouraging me to go – a dream fulfilled
for over 25 years: I have been to the moon on this excursion.
In all, I’d thoroughly recommend Aurora Expeditions to anyone. The staff and
crew were very friendly, we managed to get on shore or the kayaks anywhere a
landing was opportune. The smaller vessel meant all of us could partake
(Antarctic treaty restricts numbers to 100, we had 53 passengers and 22 staff)
and with 4.5m draught many of the smaller bays could be entered. The talks,
documentaries and social engagements made sea traverses very short and
interesting.
On the captain’s farewell were many speeches and awards. Certificates were
many, I received the “Society of Antarctic Campers”, “Legion of Shackleton
Trekkers” and “Society of Antarctic kayakers” and a “Boys Day Out” mention.
David Bishop, my kayaking partner co-hosted a people’s award for best
photograph with Chris Bray and Aurora in 3 divisions of people, landscape and
animals. A good portion of the passengers submitted a photograph and equally a
good portion voted. It was all fun and I’m sure the prize purse of $50 will be
well spent ! We also submitted a set of our favourite 4 photos of which
Chris/Jess selected a number of each and created a wonderful slide show
combined with open rights music and video snippets for us to have as a
memento. As well, we were encouraged to add 8 of our photos which will see
inclusion into a book that is made of the journey along with the El Pinguino
news, which will be produced as another parting gift.
It was hard to choose out of the thousands, but here’s my 1 selection for people:
It was hard to choose out of the thousands, but here’s my 1 selection for people:
4 picture selection:
and 8 picture selection:
A day on sea seems long but it gets eroded quickly. There is not a lot
of time to edit photos or update blogs especially when there is socialising
and various talks or documentaries running, but we use it when we can.
Oh, and important things like cards!
On the 16th, at the port of Ushuaia, we disembark, shaking hands and saying
our goodbyes. On exit, we are made aware of Argentina’s interpretation of
who has sovereignty over South Georgia, I wonder what the native peoples
think. Welcome to Argentina travellers !
Our voyage from the Falklands to Ushuaia, Argentina seemingly flitted by and
the ocean journey was fairly smooth going. There were a few things to do
with regards to disembarkation procedure instruction, return of goods and
social engagements. A few movies were shown and blog notes or photo edits to
complete.
I headed to the airport with George and David to El Calafete to hike around
Mount Fitzroy in El Chalten. Looking forward to it.
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