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Bev Brooks
Bev Brooks

Bev Brooks

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  • Bev BrooksArgentina Antarctica & ChileReisende

    Drakes Crossing

    14. desember 2017, South Atlantic Ocean ⋅ 🌬 1 °C

    We are now leaving Antartica, crossing Drakes back to Argentina. The weather looks good with seas about 5 meters. Someone forgot to tell the waves and wind. The ship started with rising high on the waves and then crashing down with monotonous regularity - about every 20 seconds. The sound in the cabin was horrendous. The boat shook with every crash. Then the wind decided to chime in so now as well as crashing forwarc and back we were rolling from side to side.

    Jan made the comment at dinner that the wind had tied down and so it seemed until about midnight. The wind came back with vengence I needed to hang pn in bed so not to roll out. We had glasses crashing things falling to the floor. It was quite a night.

    At breakfast , those that made it, everyone was hanging on from chair to chair to keep them upright.    Les mer

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  • Bev BrooksArgentina Antarctica & ChileReisende

    Polar Plunges

    12. desember 2017, Antarktis ⋅ 🌬 1 °C

    Todays the day we will try to do our polar plunge. First stop was at the Polish Station this is manned and is mainly used for researching the effect of krill and penquin numbers. Unfortunately it is too rough for kayaking again.
    On the Zodiac's we are warned we may get wet it didnt take a minute until we were all sprayed. Thank goodness for our waterproof expedition gear.

    The island has gentoo penquins and elephant seals. There is a family of seals all piled on top of each other trying to keep warm. The juveniles are jostling for position. This was originally a whaling station - scattered all over the island were various whale bones just left where they were slaughtered.
    This was the last landing on the continent.

    Back on board heading for another landing on the South Shetland Islands. While cruising I get a text from Telstra welcoming me to Uruguay - I believe there is a station nearby. I even get a couple of messages from home.

    It is very windy and a strong current. The captain decides to change route to head to Half Moon Island. What a beautiful setting, the sun is out the sky is clear, although the wind is blowing.

    Time for the polar plunge - Erin and I are at the front of the queue. We have arranged with Jan , the boat manager, for AB and Callee to also do the plunge. Its ABs birthday and Callee last trip. For the plunge a rope is tied around your waist there is also a safety zodiac. Off the end of the boat you jump off a Zodiac into the sea. It is -1.8 degrees centigrade. Omg it is cold but only last a short time. All up 51 people do the plunge.

    Once again it is too windy to kayak such a pity as this is our last opportunity. So as an alternative most kayakers wear the dry suit to land we will plunge again at the island. Our last landing is just beautiful the chinstrap penquins are very cute.

    We all gather before heading back to the ship to run into the ocean to test out the dry suits. We stay dry but it is a cold trip back to the boat.

    Tonight is party night for ABs birthday then time to jump into the hot tub to watch the sun come up. We even got tp watch some whales under the new sun    Les mer

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  • Bev BrooksArgentina Antarctica & ChileReisende

    Antarctic Chills

    11. desember 2017, Antarktis ⋅ 🌬 0 °C

    Well I now know I'm in Antarctica we woke to snow wind and a temperature of -4. To say it was cold was and understatement.
    The first landing at Goyrdin Island was abandoned, the wind was just too strong to make safe landings.

    So we travelled onto Brown Bluff to see if it was possible to land. It is freezing outside the boarding party scouts the area and decides it is safe to land. We are warned - we will get wet, it is windy and very cold. Rugged up in our expedition gear we head to the Zodiac. Right on queue the sea spray makes us all wet. The beach is rocky with very little snow. It is very rugged high cliffs.

    The sea has ice bergs and sheets close to shore. Today the main penquins here are Adelie. The wind is nearly blowing me off my feet so I find shelter behind a large rock where I can watch the penquins. They are much more lively here swimming in and out of the water. Jumping from water onto the ice shelfs. Really cute and funny to observe.

    We are meant to do the Polar Plunge tonight but as the weather is still windy the boat tries to find a suitable spot.

    While cruising we see a huge ice berg 2.5 ks long 930 meters wide 30 meters high another 100 meters below. Total 383 billion liters.    Les mer

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  • Bev BrooksArgentina Antarctica & ChileReisende

    Abandoned Station

    10. desember 2017, Antarktis ⋅ 🌫 1 °C

    Today we will head to Brown station where there will be a landing and kayak trip. The zodiacs take us to the station where we jump on the kayaks. Todays paddle is only about an hour through more ice flows. It is snowing the snow flakes are fluttering down all over us. It was quite magical. We arrived in a bay once again surrounded by glaciers. Another 5 minute silence break.

    Back on board light lunch was served on deck 5 while the snow continued. An interesting venue for lunch.

    The afternoon was spent cruising looking for whales. Anchored at Willamena Bay we had a cocktail party with crepe suzette. Everyone was dancing and one eye on whales. We did see 1 humpback.

    The weather has started to get a little colder and windier. Dinner was served st 730 then a small group ended on the bar dancing until midnight. Then a quick trip to the hot tub under the midnight sun and snow.    Les mer

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  • Bev BrooksArgentina Antarctica & ChileReisende

    Ice everywhere.

    9. desember 2017, South Atlantic Ocean ⋅ 🌫 1 °C

    We woke to a heavy sea so the kayaking this morning was canceled. Instead it is a land visit to Usefull Island via the Zodiac's. All guests are split into 2 groups to facilitate easier landings. Each zodiac takes approx 10 people ashore.

    Prior to a landing staff go out to scout the area - marking dangerous areas , the perimeter and the best walking route to points of interest. Antartica gets approx 3 meters of snow a year so it is very soft underfoot and easy to end up thigh deep. It is also important to fill in any deep holes if the penguins fall in they may not get out.

    We put on our full expedition gear before heading to the Zodiac. The trip is about 5 minutes to landing. Today there are both Gentoo and Chinstrap penquins as well as an elephant seal. I have to say the smell of penquin poo is quite overwhelming. At this time of year the penquins are nesting - I watch them steal pepples from other nests to add to there own.

    The seal is lounging not far away with not a care on the world. While is the bay there are about 7 penquins having a grand time swimming and diving.

    The view from land is spectacular as well with once again the lovely translucent blue icebergs. About 11 it is time to get back on board and head to Neko Harbour.

    What a magnificent harbour, there are icebergs everywhere and we are surrounded on 3 sides by glaciers. Just magic.

    It is very sheltered and the kayaks are out again. Eager to get off the boat once again we head out. Today we are entering and departing the kayaks via the Zodiac's - this is a recipe for disaster. Luckily i get in without ending in the water. Erin and I take off keeping close to Calee, the kayak master. All I can say is OMG how magic is this place. Soon we are up a channel surrounded by ice, crunching through it. I learnt there are growlers and bergy bits then ice bergs. Kayaking through them was an adventure. Listening to the sounds of Antarctica - the groaning of the glacial snow, the crackling of the ice and the squarking pf penguins.

    On our way back to the boat we hit a beefy bit , Erin and I were lucky not to end in the water today. There were a few rocky moments. To get out of the kayak was another story. I struggled getting out gracefully so ended head first into the zodiac with my legs on the air.

    Tonight was camping night, I had paid for this but sore ears and throat I decided to give it a miss. I do not want to get sick and miss out on kayaking. Mel and Erin head out while I stay on board.

    There are a few quests still on board Callee suggests we get some artic ice to enjoy with our drinks. AB one of the staff soon arrives with a bergy bit on his back for our drinks. A nice baileys it is before I head to the hot tub at 1Am for a dip before bed.    Les mer

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  • Bev BrooksArgentina Antarctica & ChileReisende

    The Crossing

    8. desember 2017, South Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Drakes crossing to Antartica takes approx 36 hours. There had been a break in the weather and we finally on our way. The crossing is pretty rough and many on board have sea sickness. I was lucky that the crossing did not affect me.

    The boat was rolling from side to side so it was quite dangerous to be outside. At dinner it is a little like the Titantic - we are all waiting for the plates to slide off the table. All tables and chairs are bolted down.

    For a day we just stayed in our cabin and rested. Walking around the boat tppk quite an effort to ensure you stayed upright.

    On board the ship there were several short presentations covering photography , birds of Antarctica and a movie to help spend the day.

    I was getting cabin fever by the end it was a long 2 days    Les mer

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  • Bev BrooksArgentina Antarctica & ChileReisende

    Land at Last

    8. desember 2017, South Atlantic Ocean ⋅ 🌫 1 °C

    We woke to much calmer seas and the first sightings of ice bergs and whales. Finally things are going to start to get interesting.

    Before going on land all your outter gear needs to be vacuumed to clear biosecurity requirements. We also were given a presentation on rules governing how close to animals, what rules around the whole polar region.

    As I have elected to go kayaking it was also compulsory to do a kayak briefing. We are supplied with a dry suit , skirt and life jacket. Undernearh I will wear a set of thermals. Finally we will get of the boat in Yankee Harbour.

    Most passengers well head to shore today but the lucky 14 kayakers will be all by ourselves. After another safety briefing we are off. Today we entered and left the kayaks on land.
    Almost immediately there are 3 humpback whales there to entertain us. We follow them for about an hour watching them play on the waters of Yankee Harbour. Then back to the shore line to watch the Genloo penguins and seals. The penguins are so cute climbing up the land.

    Then we see a leopard seal lounging on the ice. He is massive maybe 2 meters long. A leopard seal can eat 7 penguins on an hour. Obviously this one has had a feed as he looks very content.

    We continue to kayak towards the glacier - the colous are amazing the most vivid blue , nearly translucent. Again we come across another leopard seal and then another. Last trip they didn't see any at all.

    While kayaking you can hear the ice crackling and the glacier moaning. It so peaceful gliding along. We were on the water for approx 3 hours.

    Once back on board it is cocktail hour and then dinner. Dinner is 3 courses with soup starter, salads normally choice of 4 mains and 4 desserts. The staff are so accommodating - nothing is too much to ask.    Les mer

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  • Bev BrooksArgentina Antarctica & ChileReisende

    Harberton Farm

    6. desember 2017, Chile ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    As the weather had still not improved the ship will spend another day in safe waters.

    As an extra we take the Zodiac's to Harberton Farm. this is a very old working farm. The best part was getting all our exhibition gear on then heading to the Zodiac for the ride to the farm.

    The farm itself was quite interesting and I was lucky enough to see a woodpecker.

    Back on board the boat for dinner. Tonight we are heading across the Drake passage on our way to Antarctica. we are expecting it to be a bit rough.    Les mer

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  • Bev BrooksArgentina Antarctica & ChileReisende

    Luxury Arakur Resort & Spa

    4. desember 2017, Argentina ⋅ 🌬 8 °C

    The morning started with breakfast at the B&B- eggs, croissants, toast, cake. Was a little too much but the eggs were awesome.

    Some souvenir shopping was first priority then a quick ploughman lunch before heading up to the Arakur Resort & Spa.

    Our taxi, like many cars in this area, was rust ridden being held together by the paint work. Pulling up at the luxury spa was a bit of a giggle. Mel had a half bottle of red on one hand and a bag in the other.

    We had seen pictures of the spa area so as soon as the bags were in the room we were off. Wow Wow Wow, the view, the heated pool was amazing. Such luxury I don’t normally enjoy. We easily spent a couple of hours between pool, spa and steam room. Then a lovely shower using all the products available. I haven’t smelt so good in days, maybe in weeks even years. Lol

    The evening was spent chillin meeting some of our fellow travellers.    Les mer

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  • Bev BrooksArgentina Antarctica & ChileReisende
    luggage at last
    Teach the kids eaely about bubblesPizza olives with pits

    Bottom of the World

    3. desember 2017, Argentina ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    A late night text telling my luggage had not arrived set me up for a very restless night. By 230am I had enough time to jump into action. Firstly an emergency call to my insurance - I can purchase up to $500 of clothing. Check in to my flight and sent email to Latam explaining where I am heading next.

    430 taxi to airport - I checkin through priority. The staff member was lovely immediately asking why I had no luggage - she made some quick calls and in a flash I was told my luggage would be on my flight to Ushuaia - woohoo let’s see if it happens.

    The flight to Ushuaia was late but uneventful. I was nearly kissed the ground when my luggage was the second bag out. Oh such a relief. Mel was waiting to take me to our B&B. Great spot about 10mins from town.

    The city is surrounded by mountains. A lazy day viewing the local supermarket and shops.    Les mer

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  • Bev BrooksArgentina Antarctica & ChileReisende
    art in the shopping centreThe air bnb building

    A quick Buenis Aries experience

    2. desember 2017, Argentina ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    I woke to all my devices flat - oh no no phone no time no contact with the outside world. I have to admit that was a little daunting. Norma, by Bnb host, was homw this morning so she quickly got me hooked up to power to recharge.

    First job is to find out about baggage Norma will ring them if we here nothing by 11.
    I head out to explore first the "Oblisque" then breakfast.The architecture of the building is beautiful very old well preserved. The streets are clean I feel very safe.

    Foe $20 i get coffee juice fried eggs and bacon and a very generous serve. Next is an ATM i find 5 sex shops before i find a working ATM lol. I eventually get some more money.

    its after 11 and no word on luggage, after filling put more online forms Norma finally is told my luggage will be on 330pm flight they will ring around 530 to confirm - Im not convinced but will wait patiently.

    After wandering the streets for a few hours its time to sit with the locals and enjoy a glass of wine - Malbec seems to be the go here.

    an update at 6pm they still do not know if the bags have arrived next update 9pm. I want to go to bed, who knows if I’ll be up when it arrives.

     On my way back to room I’ve worked out why there are so many sex shops they are only 5 meters sq little tiny holes on the wall really - ha ha    Les mer

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  • Bev BrooksArgentina Antarctica & ChileReisende
    My airbnb

    Buenis Aries at last

    1. desember 2017, Argentina ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    My day started at 430am in Brisbane on 1 dec - it finished at my air bnb at 920pm On 1 Dec. but is actual hours it was just under 30hours.

    The flight from Chile followed the snow cap Andes for about 10minutes, we flew quite low the view was spectacular.

    As expected I arrived in BA to no luggage Air Canada first flight is early tomorrow morning they expect it to be on that. Let’s hope so. I did manage to get 25 pesos from the airline - at least I have something not much.
    Customs was a no brainer thank goodness.
    But now to get a car 8000peso to start with they said I had to pay cash - well I have no cash eventually they say I can pay by card. Cool driver organized I’m on my way. and the ATM outside also worked and gave me some money, things are looking up

    First impressions of BA - left had drive cars, roads and wide and flat, no horns seem to follow road rules. Well that’s a lot different form India, a pleasant surprise. The driver takes me directly to my accomodations, The doorman lets me in but from there it goes down hill. I have the building but no unit number . I go up and down 3 times until I knock on a random door for the man to explain I need level 11. Finally I find the unit and guess what - no one is home.

    I come close to sitting on the floor and crying. I check my emails and find Norma has had to go out and the key is downstairs with the doorman, back i go. Pointing gesturing finally he realises I want the key that been left for me. In amongst all of this I met George who lives on same level as Norma. He takes me up to the rooftop for a view of BA and explains in spainenglish he is a massage therapist.

    The Airbnb is beautiful just like the pics so Im happy with that.    Les mer

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  • Bev BrooksArgentina Antarctica & ChileReisende

    Longer than expected in Santiago

    1. desember 2017, Chile ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    The flight from Sydney was delayed 2 hours, but luckily I was in the middle section with 2free seats. This allowed a nice relaxing flight. Thank good ness because as soon as we arrive in Santiago the chaos begun.

    At least 100people had missed connections. I thought I was busy being about 10in the queue, but after an hour I was still number 6. No tickets were being issued, just lots of telling people to get in the queue.

    Very frustrating we may not have spoken the same language but we all understood our frustrations. Luckily a girl beside we spoke good English and Spanish, she was making some phone calls and told me to check my Qantas app. Qantas had changed my flight automatically but no one told us this. of I ran to make sure I got the flight. Once I realised I had a free hour it was a good opportunity to get some US $ and some local currency.

    Finding an ATM was not easy but finally found one to only have both cards rejected. Money changer - surely I’ll have better luck there. Nope they only change cash do not use cards. So here I sit in Santiago International airport with no money. But at least I have a ticket to Buenis Aries. Hopefully I’ll get cash there otherwise I’ll be in real trouble.    Les mer

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  • Bev BrooksArgentina Antarctica & ChileReisende

    A long travel day

    1. desember 2017, Australia ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    Well you learn something new every day. I arrived at Qantas for the first leg of my trip to Argentina to find I must have return travel booked and proof otherwise you cannot travel. Luckily I did - but this is quite unusual for me. A note to remember for other overseas trips to check

    Next stop Sydney - lucky enough to be in the Qantas Business lounge - it is packed I would hate to be in the standard Qantas Lounge. Time for a couple of relaxing glasses of bubbles before boarding the flight. I’m way down the back and hoping there is no one beside me.

    Delayed in Sydney for over 2hours. Not sure if I will make the connecting flight, but have all confidence that Qantas will sort it out once we are airborne. obviously a few more bubbles were had.

    Yay we are off    Les mer

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