As we are in Antarctica, we are having the trip of a lifetime.

It has been an unbelievable experience witnessing nature at its finest. The words that come to mind are awe inspiring, magnificent, magical and spectacular. Just when you think that a day can’t be topped, the next is more extraordinary.

When we return to Canada we will tell our tale from the 7^th continent, but today, we wanted to express our thoughts from this exact moment in time from the bottom of the earth.

Antarctica has exceeded everything beyond our imagination.

We have spent many a day paddling in sea kayaks on waters as smooth as glass, circling glaciers and plowing through ice. We’ve witnessed impressive calving (walls of ice plunging into the water from enormous glaciers) and visited Fur, Leopard and Weddell seals as they basked in the sun on ice flows.  Whales have breached and shown their flukes, they have passed under our zodiacs and blown their spouts right behind our kayaks.

We have interacted with the Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins whose chicks are so curious they waddle right up to you to peck at your clothing and sit by your feet.  We have slept under a full moon in bivy sacks on the snow-covered continent and we have plunged into the icy waters of the Antarctic Peninsula with nothing but our swimsuits and a smile.

As I write this update, I am overcome with emotion.

The Sea Gods are smiling on us as we sail our way through the Antarctic Peninsula. The weather and wildlife co-operated to the point where I said to myself “The people on this ship must have done something right in a former life. We’ve combined our karma and in a land where there is a 20% chance of experiencing sun, we’ve enjoyed blue skies for most of our voyage.

Magnificent weather combined with the extraordinary staff of Quark Expeditions has made for a perfect trip.  As we learn from experts in their field about marine biology, the birds of the Polar Regions and the history and wildlife of the land, we gain a respect and understanding of why Antarctica is such a special place on earth.

Our Antarctica adventure is brought to you by Quark Expeditions

Check out Quark Expeditions for planning your own Antarctic Expedition. Mention ThePlanetD and receive 5% off your booking - 5% can be redeemed on any voyage and be combinable with any of Quark’s promotions.