Antarctica is first on my all-time, must see travel list.

I suppose it’s because I read Mr. Popper’s Penguins when I was young. I was captivated by the antics of Captain Cook and Greta and wanted to be a polar explorer like Mr. Popper. So about as early as I can remember, I have wanted to see Antarctica. The remoteness, the icebergs, the marine life-how can there be marine life there?-the penguins and seals all fascinate me.

I’ve read about Ernest Shackleton’s explorations, especially the 1914-17 Endurance Expedition. After his ship got trapped in ice, he led a group of men on an 800 mile odyssey to South Georgia Island and eventually rescued the entire crew. He died there on a subsequent expedition and his grave and a small museum mark his presence there.  It turns out there are massive penguin colonies there.  Everyone I spoke to about traveling to Antarctica said “You must also go to South Georgia, especially if you want to see penguins.” Alright then.

penguins on south georgia island

So 2019 is my year to go to the ends of the earth and see South Georgia Island and Antarctica!

My husband, Doug, and I are both having milestone birthdays next year, so we are planning on some milestone travel adventures.

I don’t want to put Antarctica off for too long, because I want to be able to hike and kayak and get in and out of the zodiacs easily. I also want to see what I can of the region before climate change has more of an impact than it already has. I want to sail the Drake Passage, even if I get seasick. I want to get up close and personal with penguins-as close as allowed, of course. Antarctica will be my 6th continent to visit, after I touch down in Buenos Aires and Ushuaia before the trip. (South America=#5) There are just so many reasons to go as soon as we can.

Quark and penguins

I have been doing my research and I’ve chosen what I think is the ideal trip:

The Quark Expeditions Penguin Safari in November 2019.

I have several reasons for choosing Quark and this particular itinerary:

  • I wanted a boat that isn’t too big, but big enough to be safe and comfortable.

  • Quark Expeditions are the polar experts-they specialize in bringing people to this region (and the Arctic) and providing wonderful experiences.

  • They have the scientists, naturalists and expedition guides on board to educate us on what we are seeing and why it’s like that.

  • This cruise combines South Georgia Island and Antarctica, which is exactly what I want to see.

  • They have optional activities like kayaking and the infamous polar plunge.

  • I’m also booking this trip now because it will sell out and I don’t want to miss my chance to do this in 2019.

If Antarctica is on your dream travel list, why not come along with us? We will have a great small group and some fun extras. If you are at all interested in joining this adventure of a lifetime, please contact me at heirloomvacations@gmail.com and I will put you on the Antarctica 2019 Cruise List and keep you updated on the trip.