A TRIP TO ANTARCTICA

A TRIP TO ANTARCTICA - impressive, emotional and overwhelming

Why was this trip so intense and emotional for me?

Firstly, because I had this dream for a very long time and never thought that I would be able to fulfil it one day.

Secondly, because the impressions, the experiences I had can't be compared with anything I've ever experienced before. Yes, here in Switzerland we have snow in winter and it's cold. But that's exactly what I don't like here. I hate freezing, and at the same time I love free diving under ice. Because under the ice there is a quiet atmosphere, a calm that stops the 1000 thoughts in my head.

But why does it have to be a trip to Antarctica? 🇦🇶I always wanted to see penguins, whales, seals and icebergs. After my experiences freediving with humpback whales in Tonga, the dream of seeing the whales in Antarctica became louder and louder.

That's why I took the opportunity to fulfil this dream together with a group of photographers. The decision and booking of the trip were very impulsive. I realised this shortly before the start of the trip and it led to emotional and mental stress. I’ll write another post on the topic of preparing for the trip.

When we were finally on our floating home - the Ocean Endeavour - and the Antarctic adventure really began, a lot happened emotionally.

But on the very first morning at sea, during the crossing of the Drake Passage, I realised that my mind had calmed down. Unlike many other passengers, I was able to enjoy the Drake Shake and felt a sense of inner peace.

Then came the announcement that we were about to see our first iceberg. „You'll never forget your first iceberg“ oh yes, how right they were. Who would have thought that so many people would get so emotional at the sight of an iceberg. This iceberg was the teaser of what was waiting for us down there..

I was up early the next morning and when I opened the curtain in my cabin (I still can't believe I had a cabin to myself - lucky me), I was speechless. We are here, we are really here - the Antarctic peninsula.

This was followed by 4 days of Zodiac cruises and landings.

On the second day I was sitting in my cabin crying when we came back from the morning excursion. The impressions were so overwhelming. The landscape and the animals that we were able to experience from so close. Watching a leopard seal from a few metres away and hearing the clicking of the cameras will forever remain in my memory as the „Sound of Antarctica“. 😅

The Zodiac trips were so incredible. We made our way through brush ice, observed animals (and of course took great photos) and enjoyed this incredible tranquillity, which at the same time is filled with so much adventure. Priceless moments and days where I was 100% in the here and now. No chaos of thoughts in my head.

When we sat in the lounge after the Zodiac trips and landings, looking at photos, there were always those moments when you could feel everyone's emotions.

Somehow everyone found it difficult to put into words what they had experienced and seen. Somehow it was intangible. Out of this world. Absolutely insane.

Due to the weather, we had to start our return journey a day early. The difficult weather conditions meant that we experienced the „real Drake Shake“.

It was an adventure for me. As on the outward journey, I had no problems with seasickness on the return journey either. I enjoyed the wild ride.

Who can say that they had dinner with part of the Outbound Family and Simon Ager during a heavy swell (11 - 12 metres that night)? While cutlery fell from the tables, passengers from their chairs and a huge cast iron soup pot from the buffet, we talked to Simon about encounters with grizzlies and wolves. 🤣

Unfortunately, this trip came to and end and it was time to say goodbye. The last wake-up call, the last announcement from Brad our expedition leader, the last breakfast and the farewell to the outbound family.

On this trip I was not only able to see the rugged, raw, still wild and beautiful white continent, but also meet wonderful people and improve my photography skills.

Thank you Outbound Tours, thank you Andrew and Lewis for making this trip possible. Thank you dear Outbound family (Andrew, Lewis, Tamsyn, Jacqui, Barbara, Conor, Mike, Amanda, Ryan, Sacha, Iain, Kat, Rob) 💝