Landing on King George. The reason is that we had been delayed due to fog for two days and our trip was in jeopardy of being canceled. Two groups behind us never got to visit this incredible place due to weather. People who want to travel here have to understand that if you’re going to do the fly route the weather can be very fickle. Fog is a real issue. We came to learn that there must be at least 1000 feet of visibility clearance for the pilot to see the runway. This is a serious wild place. Landing strip has no landing lights, no tower and it’s gravel. And, wind plays a part too. Was it worth the risk of cancellation? OMG YES! The Antarctic is Overwhelming beauty and floods all 5 of your senses. Never experienced anything like this before. Sight and sounds are one of a kind. My wife and I are in our mid 60s and we didn’t find the trip physically challenging.

Life changing

Humpback whales, seals, and all lord those penguins are so fascinating.

Just go. Don’t sit on the ship.

Expedition team was fabulous. There are times when you feel like they think it’s theirs and not yours but they took care of us and we were very pleased.

Wonderful ship and the food was terrific. Staying on this great lady was a privilege

Be sure you wear loose light clothing. You have this idea that you’re going to freeze to death before you go but that’s not the case. Oh it’s cold to be sure , particularly when you’re on the zodiac in the water. We brought very light silk and wool underwear. On balance I would go with the silk because it’s lighter you must wear or waterproof/ windproof insulated outer layer. Leave the heavy jackets/pants behind but bring the insulated gloves....3 pair. They get wet. I’d recommend something to cover your face too. My wife and I brought a hood tape cover that we could put over our face and boy am I glad we did. That cold wind on the water will give you a serious wing burn. Bring, a good ointment like Aquaphor too. Hands and face will feel that way and get dry.

Be prepared to be flexible. The team can only do so much and they are not in control either. I wasn’t too thrilled with the team in Punta Arenas in charge of explaining it to us to be honest. They just were not able to fully explain the fog problem so we could understand. There were lot of frustrated people. And to some extent it was understandable. Just chill, have a drink. Nature is in charge whether they can explain it or not. But when you get there.....well, then you understand first hand what they couldn’t explain. When we were on ship there was fog is so dense we couldn’t see 50 feet off the bow. You do not want the pilot trying to get you into a landing strip in conditions like that. Our leader on ship,Ben, is gifted at what he does. Super smart, Courteous and Caring and he said it best:” you can get mad at the fog but the fog doesn’t care.” It’s true. If you’re not a patient person and you think someone’s going to fix the fog.....you be wrong. They are there to keep you safe and they did and I feel very grateful for to the people that looked after us in this one of a kind place.

I’m still thinking about the privilege of taking this adventure which I guess means that it has at least enhanced my perspective. I’ll tell you this, I did think about a lot about thinks I already knew but had forgotten to think about. And, while I can’t quite articulate my thoughts because it personal and different for everyone, it is an enlightening experience.

No, you did a great job. Thanks.