GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH!

I have been lucky!  Out of 195 countries in the world, I have traveled in 126 of them.  Still have more to go obviously, but among the top ranked is the one continent my feet have never touched.  Antarctica!

I haven’t gone because of the “DREADED DRAKE PASSAGE”.  In the past, there was no way to get there except board a small exploration ship (without stabilizers) in Ushuaia, Argentina or the Falkland Islands and sail for two to three days in the roughest waters in the world.  I have friends who have made this voyage several times only to be strapped in their bunks for two solid days. No meals, no service, no anything…. because who wants to eat or drink when your ship is going up and down over 40 ft. swells!

Finally however, a smart Chilean group, have made my trip possible….and no “dreaded Drake Passage”!  Flying into Punta Arenas, Chile, you spend one-night (maybe two depending on weather conditions) in this southernmost city in Chile getting your instructions, your boots and gear given you for your expedition and get a few lectures on what to expect.

Early the next day, you are driven to the airport for you flight to King George Island, on the Antarctic side of the Drake Passage.  After your two-hour flight in a military charter plane complete with deluxe seats, you walk across the ice to your waiting ship/hotel for the next few nights. Close to shore all the way…you can even make your way to the South Pole on some shore excursions.

Then the greatest show begins…. penguins, sea lions, sea birds and wonderful wildlife just waiting for you to walk up and greet face to face!  No other humans nearby…only the 70 passengers you flew over with.  You can make this experience more wonderful still by doing kayak explorations daily or even snowshoeing on your shore excursions.

So, this is my chance to eliminate the “DREADED DRAKE PASSAGE” and finally make it to the one continent I have never visited!  The Greatest Show on Earth will be me making this journey…finally!

Pam Walker is a Virtuoso travel advisor and can be reached at pam@walkeradventures.com