Antarctica

We're Home

2008-02-17T03:06:00.000-08:00

Good Morning Everybody,
We're Home!! And happy to be here. As great, and it was great, Antarctica was/is, there's still no place like home, and it's so good to be here!
The final "event" with Aerolineas Argentina Airlines was that when we got to the airport in Buenoa Aires to board our flight direct to Miami we were told that our flight had been canceled and we could only fly home in 2 days!! Well, needless to say, that did not sit well with us and to make a long story short, we got our money refunded to us and managed to get on an American Airlines flight to Dallas, and then home to Miami! What a nightmare!! Did I mention that I DO NOT recommend Aerolineas Argentina ever, ever, ever. Walk if you have to, but don't fly that airline!
Thanks to everyone who took are of the puppies and kitties. Again, we couldn't have done a trip like this without you!
I can't wait to go through the pictures and video that Bob took and share it with all of you. Words will never be able to describe what a place Antarctica is - pictures don't do it justice either. But it is all we have, so we'll go with it.
I find it hard to believe where I've been these past 2 weeks; sitting in the middle of a penguin rookery, watching humpback whales, elephant and leopard seals, and just being amazed at every turn.
It seems that last of our posts did not make it to the blog - so please check out the link to Judi's blog to get the last updates from the trip.

Petermann Island, Circumcision Bay

2008-02-10T09:50:00.000-08:00

Good morning everybody!
The weather has changed. The last few days have been so beautiful; clear
skies, calm waters and warm (in the 30's) temperatures. Today it's a
little overcast and the winds are picking up.
Yesterday we had 3 landings, and that means taking off and putting on all
the layers 3 times. We're exhausted! (but happy) One of the landings
was to Petermann Island, Circumcision Bay. Funny? Get it! That was a
night trip. We left the ship at 8:30 at night and came back just after
sunset at about 10:30 pm. It virtually daylight here all the time. I
sat and watched a colony of gentoo penguin for what seems like hours. I
had to finally stop taking pictures so I could just enjoy their
interaction. There's only one more month of summer, so the chicks have
to be ready for the winter by then, although from watching them, they
would prefer to stay the cute little fuzzy babies that they are now. In
the morning yesterday we went to the British Base - Lockroy Station.
Again, covered in penguins. I don't think I could ever get tired
watching them interact. We also had a pair of humpback whales circling
the ship out of curiosity. We've also had the pleasure of spotting a
pod of killer whales, about 10 whales in the pod. This is really a
magical place.
On to today: It's just after breakfast and we're going to the
Argentine Islands to Vernadsky Research Station on Galindez Island, and
also to Wordie House on Winter Island. I'm sure there will be
interesting wildlife to report on.
It's finally happened, the entire ship is healthy and we can stop
calling ourselves the "Voyage of the Damned". The doctor is certainly
relieved. Poor guy, was having a hard time keeping up with all the
sick. But that's over.
Antarctica is the most amazing place. Words and the best photography
cannot capture the experience, but we're sure trying. You'll let us
know at the picture party.
It has been determined that penguin wings are not a good source of
nutrition, and they're quite bony (hehe). I could never eat one of
those little guys anyway.
It's time to get ready and start putting on the layers. Oy, such hard
work!!
Edan and Adee - please check if this posting made it to the blog. And if
not, please post it there. Thanks!
Talk at you all soon.
Felice and Bob and Judi

Port Lockroy

2008-02-10T09:49:00.001-08:00

Hello to all,
We're getting ready to pull into Port Lockroy, a British station. There
are going to be lots of penguins of many different varieties. I'll be
taking extra batteries and flash cards. As far as bringing home some
penguins, I'd like nothing better. They are so much cuter in person.
Bob is alive and well. He came out of the cabin today and is again with
the living. It now seems as though the virus has circulated among
everyone. It jumped from the passengers to the crew now.
They're keeping us so busy with lectures, films and shore landings. We
couldn't have picked a better ship with a better crew. The ship only
carries 100 passengers so there are no lines for anything and by now
everybody knows everybody.
If you want to communicate with us, send an email to edan
(eshekar@gmail.com) or adee (shekar@nova.edu) and they can attach it to
their emails.
Thank you to everyone who is taking care of the puppies and the kitties.
We so appreciate it. Thank you, thank you.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOB EIGHMIE!!!!
LOVE,
Felice, Bob and Judi

Deception Island

2008-02-10T09:47:00.000-08:00

It's 8 am, and I think it's Friday, but I'm not sure. The day of the
week is totally insignificant here. We're gone to interesting and
wonderful place. Yesterday we made two landings. The first was to
Penguin Island, appropriately named. It was full of chinstrap penguins,
an entire rookery. They are only about 2' tall and the cutest things
you've ever seen. We sat on rock and they came right up to us. No
fear of humans. I so want to take one home!! I took zillions of
pictures. There were even some babies. They're almost as tall as
their parents except they are all grey and fuzzy and little chunkier
than their parents.

In the afternoon we went to another island that has a Polish research
station on it. We saw Adalie penguins, a couple chinstraps and some
elephant seals. Boy, as cute as the penguins are are as ugly as the
elephant seals are. We then visited the research station. There were
only 11 resident at the station, some their for 6 months, and some for 3
months. They are mostly marine biologists, divers, climatologists and
glacierologists. They are happy to have visitors after the solitude and
having a population of only 11 people. They were so guest friendly,
sharing their precious snacks and drink with us! Most are torn between
the love of Antarctica and missing their families. I can understand
their position.

This morning we are arriving to another island called Deception Island.
Again, please open your computers to google and/or Wikipedia for more
information. We'll be making two landings here today.

On a more personal note. Last night Bob took sick. He's in bed now and
won't be going on the morning landing. It's seems that there is a
virus going around that one or more of us must have picked up in Ushuia
and have passing along. The ships doctor is so busy and not getting
much rest. The crew spend last night disinfecting the entire ship.
We're thinking that Judi had "the virus" and not just seasickness.
Me? So far so good. I did have a fever yesterday for about 10 hours
but it's gone now. We're all trying to stay as healthy as possible
and make as many landings as possible.

To my professors at Hebrew College. I'm getting in as much reading as I
possibly can. But when there is a choice of watching God's most
beautiful displays of water, glaciers and wildlife, it's difficult to
concentrate on my studies.

I'm on my way to the bridge to watch our arrival to Deception Island,
which I'm told is quite tricky. The ship has a 24 hour open bridge
policy. So anytime we can visit, talk to the officers. But there's no
playing with the equipment! Bummer!

Ushuia

2008-02-04T02:36:00.000-08:00

Hi All,
I say "I am the biggest idiot in the world". Well, now it`s true. Ahhhhhh, I forgot to bring my password top sign into the blog to be able to post. At least I`m the biggest idiot in Ushuia!! Please check Judi`s blog, her blog is connected to mine. Look in the top right side. She seems to be a little more computer literate than I and has posted a couple pictures of us. They`re quite funny.
Anyway we`ve made it out of Buenos Aires. 3 days and 2 nights of Miami in August weather. I began to wonder what I was doing with all these clothes for below zero weather. Its a good thing at the last minute Bob and I each packed a pair of shorts and a tank top!! Of course we had to hand wash them every night for the 3 days in BA (as the locals call it). BA was a nice, big, crowded city where everyone speaks Spanish. Reminded me of Miami.
We`re here in Ushuia, where our winter clothes are more appropriate. The flight was 4 hours from BA and we flew in over snow covered mountains, which we can see right out our hotel window. I am taking lots of pictures (ya think?).
We got to watch the Superbowl last night. Congrats Miami on keeping the perfect season!! We watched here at the hotel in the rec room on a black and white, 19 inch televisia, in Spanish with only local commercials. It was great. It will always be memorable in so many ways.
It morning now and we`ll be taking off in a few from the hotel. Our mission today is to explore Ushuia and then leter today get on our ship and head south!! Wow!! It`s finally here, we`re finally heading to Antarctica. I`m still a little amazed.
We`re with the coolest bunch of Elserhoselers. Get this - there`s a women here, older than Judi and has cycled cross county 5 times. There`s university professors who kyack all over the world. Bob got tired just listening to their stories, much less doing anything physically challanging!! Ok, so most didn`t know who Tom Petty was last night, but a couple of the young ones did. And there are a couple of people our age. One lady (a professional chef) and Bobs new best friend is traveling with her father. The group is mixed and really wonderful. If it weren`t for the grey hair and lines of experience on their faces, you`d never know their age and the fact that they are retired. A more energetic, healthy bunch I haven`t met in a long time!!
We think of you all, I really can`t say we miss you yet, but okay - we miss you and love you. Keep reading, we`ll keep posting. Please check out Judi`s blog. She`s put pictures up on hers.
See you in Antarctica!
Love,
Felice and Bob

TRAVEL DAY

2008-01-31T05:41:00.000-08:00

I have a bad cold!! Really bad. I've been sitting here googling articles about flying with a head cold. I've found many helpful hints, but they all agree; agony awaits!! How could this happen?? I'm trying not to dwell on it and concentrate on being in Buenos Aires, Ushuia, and Antarctica, not getting there.

Other than repacking one more time to make sure we don't exceed the weight limit of 33 pounds, going to the store for many cold meds, sprays and lozenges, I guess we're ready to go. Our flight leaves at 10:00 tonight so we do have the whole day.

But, enough about me and on to the reason you're reading this: Antarctica!! Wow, I can hardly believe we'll be there in a few short days. This is really the adventure of a lifetime.

Oh, and think of us during the Superbowl; which we will be watching (hopefully) somewhere in Ushuia. I'm picturing a little bar frequented my ex-pats with a wide screen television with satellite and cold Budweisers. We might even get lucky and get to hear it in English. That's my thought anyway. Who knows what the reality will be?

Today; Miami. Tomorrow; Argentina!
Love,
Felice and Bob

One More Wake-Up

2008-01-30T06:27:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is the day of departure! It seems like only yesterday we started making the plans for this adventure, when in reality it's been almost a year. Time flies...

As much as I've prepared early for this trip, it seems this last day is filled with projects that absolutely must be completed today! We have long lists, but am sure we can make it. Do we have any choice?

So here's the plan: The planes will fly on time, the transportation from the airport in Buenos Aires to the hotel will go according to plan, the hotel reservation won't be screwed up, the weather for our first 2 days in Buenos Aires will be pleasant, and clear sky's. Is that really too much to ask? Oh, and the big request from whomever grants such requests is that the seas in Drakes Passage are calm for our crossing. Drakes Passage are the waters we must pass from the southern tip of Argentina to Antarctica. This is where the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans meet. I have read that the waters can be quite rough. But we're ready and armed with sea-sick patches!

This will be the last post before take-off. Be well and talk to you from the Southern Hemisphere.
Felice and Bob

Meet the Explorers

2008-01-22T04:51:00.000-08:00

Can Bob wear enough clothing to ward off frostbite?

These days the only thing on my mind is THE TRIP. What more do I need? What have I forgotten? Do I need more hats? And the last burning question: Is there Jack Daniel's in Antarctica?

Who is this woman? It's Judi - our traveling buddy. For those of you who don't know, Judi is a good friend of Bob and I. We will traveling together. Yes, and sharing a cabin on the ship. So let your imaginations go wild. Ya done yet?

12 More Wake-Ups

2008-01-19T11:58:00.000-08:00

We're entering the final countdown for our trip wayyyy down South. The title of this blog comes from Nancy - thanks.

We just got notified that our weight limit is 33 pounds of luggage and 11 pounds for a carry on. I'm still figuring out if I can make it. Actually I have no choice, but what clothing items to fight sub-zero temperatures would you leave behind?? I hope I don't get to the point of having to make that decision. I guess I could wear lots and lots of layers under my clothes on the plane.

In advance, thanks to all of you who will be helping to take care of Bailey and Brandee and the kitties. We wouldn't be able to do this (with peace-of-mind)without you.

We haven't received any other news about Aerolineas Argentina not flying, so my hopes are that "no news is good news".

Being down to the final days is bringing about PANIC! No, not really, but I'm always thinking of what more needs to be done, purchased, packed, and piled. And like every other place I travel in the world, I'm already thinking about how nice (or not nice) it would be to live in a research station in Antarctica. Not that need me - I have no useful skills, but the thoughts are there.

Talk to you all in a couple more wake-ups!
Felice (and my lovable side-kick, Blobbo!)

Just over 2 weeks from US Exit

2008-01-15T10:26:00.000-08:00

It appears that Aeroleneas Argentina, the airline we're SUPPOSED to be flying to Buenos Aires is having a slight problem. Because of canceled flights and/or airline worker strikes (depending on who you belief) Aerolineas Argentina has not flown in about 4 days leaving passengers stranded all over the world and quite angry. In Buenos Aires the passengers destroyed computers and smashed counters at the airport. Should we be worried? I hope not. Two weeks is a long time in the airline industry and apparently this kind of thing happens a lot down there. Keep your fingers crossed for our timely departure and ability to make it to the boat before it leaves for the polar south.

It looks as though all the gear has been purchased and is ready for packing. Layers and layers and layers. I'm going to look like the Michelin Man by the time I waddle out onto the ice. We will have lots of pictures and Bob has purchased a video camera for the adventure.

Pre-Trip

2008-01-09T15:59:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends and Other Interested Parties:

In 3 weeks and 1 day we leave for Antarctica. It's still like a dream that we haven't entered into yet. I know how I think it will be, but it's never like that when you get where you're going.
I think I have everything I need, and boy, do we need a lot of stuff. Heavy, cumbersome, winter, layered, Gortex, Thinsulate, Hot Chilis, Turtle Fur, North Face, Columbia, Marmot, fleece, wool, rubber, liners, hats, scraves (keep knitting Eliz), Mammoth Fur ball and nipple warmer STUFF!!

We're going to try to fit all this shit into our backpacks. We'll have a test run soon and then will probably be dusting off the suitcases for the trip.

We hope to be able to post daily on the trip and let you all know what kinds of exciting, interesting things we're going to be up to.

Here are some links that you might find interesting relating to our trip:

This site gives a view of our ship, MV Polar Star. Catagory: K-6. We're in Cabin 418. We're going with a different company, but never mind that.
www.alvoyages.com/ships/polar-star/12/

These two sites have interesting Antarctica information:
http://www.antarcticconnection.com/antarctic/stations/index.shtml
http://www.70south.com

Keep checking back, we'll be posting every couple days up until we leave.
I hope you all get as much enjoyment out of this handy dandy little blog as I am going to have writing it to you.

Be well,
Felice and Bob