Antarctic Expedition Ships and Zodiac Etiquette


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Antarctica » Antarctica
February 21st 2020
Published: March 23rd 2020
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In the beginning: Our most recent blog was an example of how we just could not wait to share our experiences. We simply could not help ourselves and wanted to jump into our trip to tell you about the breath-taking Falkland Islands and show you some penguins, which are so amazingly cute. It was also an attempt to capture your interest so that you will continue to read along. Okay…mission accompl... Read Full Entry



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Dancing in the mud roomDancing in the mud room
Dancing in the mud room

Ready for action
Dave AllcornDave Allcorn
Dave Allcorn

Quark Crew
Dinner with friendsDinner with friends
Dinner with friends

Marshall & Julian
Crew bringing glacial ice backCrew bringing glacial ice back
Crew bringing glacial ice back

You never run out of ice on these trips.
Cleaning our BootsCleaning our Boots
Cleaning our Boots

We take bio-security seriously.
A boot scrubberA boot scrubber
A boot scrubber

Keeping things clean
One more zodiacOne more zodiac
One more zodiac

Really cool vehicles
Bagel, salmon and capersBagel, salmon and capers
Bagel, salmon and capers

Life is very good.
Terrific SoupsTerrific Soups
Terrific Soups

They never feed us...
Ushuaia, ArgentinaUshuaia, Argentina
Ushuaia, Argentina

End of the World



23rd March 2020

And then there were just you two
I can feel the excitement...the cool air in your nostrils...the icy draughts seeking to find that one spot where you have not layered tight...the anticipation as zodiacs are lowered...the sideways smiles of your new found friends in shared experience. And when all was done there were just you two saying over and over what a buzz...what out-of-world fun. Looking forward to the next instalment.
23rd March 2020

And then there were just two
As you say it was out-of-world fun. Daily amazement. Frosty at times and always enchanting. Wish you had been there it is your kind of trip. So many photos so little time.
23rd March 2020

Interesting stuff.
It sounds like you had quite a trip. The dressing up reminds me of Lapland, it was a new ritual. And 'cotton is rotten' as cyclists say!
23rd March 2020

Minnesota Review
Great update. Send more. Enjoyed the read and the pictures. One question: if I ever find myself on a Zodiac in the Antarctic.....Where do they stow the sea sick bags? ( Dan laughing that I would ever find myself on a Zodiac on any ocean....)
23rd March 2020

Minnesota Review
Dennis, glad you are following along and that your sense of humor hasn't left you. A zodiac ride in the Antarctic is very seductive so don't rule it out. I would worry more about the ship than the zodiac... details on that later.
23rd March 2020

Vivid Description!
Felt like I was on the trip wit you. Burning question.: How did you pee with all that clothing? Did they have porta potties somewhere? Food looks great too. This looks to become one of your favorite trips and a look back in time for Merry Jo too. Miss you guys.
23rd March 2020

Vivid Description!
This is absolutely one of the top, top trips. We are still absorbing the entire experience. They would take you back to the ship early if you needed to pee so you would dehydrate before landings.
23rd March 2020

In Awe.
Beautiful MJ-- So lovely to see that you are still alive and adventurous! Just what the doctor ordered. I am working from home amid COVID-19 concerns and the EQ that we had in SLC last week. It is a breath of fresh air to read your blog. xoxo, Stephanie
23rd March 2020

In Awe
Stephanie, great hearing from you and appreciate the comment. Yes until I take my last breath I will try to live life to the fullest and add a pinch of adventure when we can. Stay healthy and keep in touch.
24th March 2020
King Penguins

Wow
Would love to see these guys live one day!
24th March 2020
King Penguins

Wow
You must go see these. So amazing. More to come.
24th March 2020
Ushuaia, Argentina

same picture
We have made a picture of this sign exactly 11 years ago - have to admit that the surrounding trees have grown quite a bit :-): https://www.travelblog.org/Photos/3247982
24th March 2020
Ushuaia, Argentina

Same picture
Yes, we all take photos at these iconic locations.
24th March 2020

What an Adventure!
You are much more brave that we are with the ride in the open ocean! So much to experience and learn.... Thanks for sharing.
24th March 2020

What an Adventure!
Thanks for reading and commenting. I will email you to catch up. It was an adventure. The zodiac was a breeze although I had some trepidation in the beginning.
26th March 2020

Well done!
Congrats on making it to the 7th!!!! What an unbelievable journey! So many of us may never get there, but we can enjoy the postings of those that do! Sounds like Quark is well organized and how fun to have fellow TB blogger Cranster lead it!! Oh and there’s always that one guy that breaks zodiac etiquette!!! I know him well. He was on my Gorilla trek in Rwanda, lol. Having made it back home safe and sound and not marooned due to the pandemic, I hope you have even more time to reflect on your epic trip!!
26th March 2020

Well done!
My 2nd trip and Dave's first... who knows maybe more in the future. It was an unbelievable journey. Quark is exceptional. We are reflecting and absorbing on all that we experienced. Check in and let us know what you are up to. MJ
27th March 2020

Oh Heck Yeah!
Wow, what a fun read this was. Great humor, great pictures, amazing descriptions. I like that you tried to meet as many people as possible (and know that you did), but understand having a core group. Looking forward to the next blog.
27th March 2020

Oh Heck Yeah!
Wish you'd been with us Chef! It was an amazing trip. Quark really does know what they are doing. I would recommend them. Penguins, penguins and penguins coming very soon.
27th March 2020

A breath of fresh air!
Yes, literally! When we are all emerged in the nightmare of the Covid-19, I needed this for a relief in my mind. I am glad that I waited a bit longer to read it...just timely MJ! Ushuaia - I heard so many times from so many people that it became an icon in my mind. Perhaps a non-descriptive town as you have described, but the feeling that it is the last frontier of our lovely planet, I romanticize every time I hear about it. Environmental security - I am so happy they are protective of the environment when disembarking the passengers. I don't know when human race will be responsible enough to protect what we have one and only one! Thermal Layers - Tell me about it! Don't we all know this here in Tundra-land in Canada!!! MJ, I was surprised to see your portrait without a monkey cap...you are brave. Last but not the least - "Yes, we are already in email contact with our new friends and feel like they will be in our lives for years to come and possibly travel with them in the future. You know who you are!... UK, Canada, New Hampshire, Japan, Australia. J We miss you." I have been fortunate enough to be in that list and I miss you!!! Will eagerly wait for the next episode!!
27th March 2020

A breath of fresh air!
Tab, thanks for following along and commenting. I recently sent you an email. I was pleased with the biosecurity they made us follow and the serious attitude they took in keeping this piece of the world pristine. Yes, I'm sure you understand layers. It was good odd going out in the cold and being warm. Evidentially, I've never had the right clothing for cold climates. We miss you also.... when people connect it last a lifetime.
28th March 2020

Life on Board
Really interesting to read about how life was like on board the ship, and Zodiac Etiquette, thank you MJ and Dave ? It makes me want to down tools right now and take the expedition! Well, at least once these new days we are currently living in are over...! Glad there were only 2 out of the 199 you didn't get to love, I imagine exactly what kind of types they were! And I'm so pleased to read about all the protective measures they take, for visitors and for local wildlife. It was similar last year when I visited the Galapagos. Looking forward to reading your next! ?
28th March 2020

Life on board
I'm glad to hear they were as cautious on Galapagos. We need to continue to care for the few pristine places that remain. I hope you take this trip in the future.... it was wonderful. Thanks for commenting.
28th March 2020

Trip of a Lifetime
In my book, making it to Antarctica would certainly be the trip of a lifetime! And, to reach your 7th continent is extraordinary too so congratulations!! Everything you saw and did sounds so amazing. I see that visiting the Antarctic was in a way is a very painstaking experience when you think about the logistics involved, cleaning of equipment, clothes, boots and such, thoughtfully placing people in the zodiacs for balance, etc. I really appreciate you sharing all these details of your amazing experience and thanks for the great photos!
29th March 2020

Trip of a Lifetime
It is always a pleasure to hear from those following along. Yes, this trip was a dandy. Once you get the hang of cleaning the gear it doesn't take long. We want to preserve this place of natural beauty. Actually, this was Dave's 7th continent. I had been in 1989 and it was the 2nd continent I'd traveled to. An amazing place. MJ
29th March 2020
Zooming around in Zodiacs

Nice to read about Antarctica
i really enjoy reading about your Antarctica travels. Personally I'd love to go there to see the remains of the old whaling stations. Also the nature of course. Good to hear that they take such great measures to protect the environment. /Ake
29th March 2020
Zooming around in Zodiacs

Nice to read about Antarctica
We cannot recommend this trip enough. It was spectacular. The Whaling stations were very interesting. An amazing part of the world.
14th October 2020

Artic Adventure
Really interesting blog to hear what it is like on the ship. I can't wait to continue to read more of your artic adventure!!
15th October 2020

Arctic Adventure
We thought we might get tired of a ship after 3 weeks but an expedition ship has so much to offer. Great lectures.

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