Chipotle42 OP t1_j3de79g wrote on January 7, 2023 at 7:44 PM

Reply to comment by Khelthrai in Last light on Cape Renard, Antarctica [OC][5029x3660] by Chipotle42

I was incredibly lucky, and was invited to join a private expedition. Took a short leave of absence and went, because if you get the chance, go! I was especially lucky because we also visited Elephant Island, South Georgia Island, and West Point Island, before returning to civilization.

bezman8 t1_j3ej42x wrote on January 8, 2023 at 12:20 AM

Wow, how do you go about getting a private expedition invite?

Chipotle42 OP t1_j3emlb1 wrote on January 8, 2023 at 12:45 AM

Best way is of course having already been on several so you have expertise. That's not me! I would love to go again...

lapSlaPs5456 t1_j3ejhur wrote on January 8, 2023 at 12:23 AM

Swan Hellenic has exploratory ships. They are smaller than cruise ships and you get to go on Antarctica.

Ken_Gratulations t1_j3fjnw3 wrote on January 8, 2023 at 5:00 AM

This is great! I am just finishing Endurance and was hoping you would mention those island. That had to have been a great experience, could you imagine surviving on those islands?!

Chipotle42 OP t1_j3flk8u wrote on January 8, 2023 at 5:17 AM

Nope. Elephant Island, in particular, provides no real shelter. Point Valentine was ridiculously exposed, and Point Wild (another) only a bit better.

Chipotle42 OP t1_j3fmznj wrote on January 8, 2023 at 5:30 AM

I had read about how rough South Georgia Island was, but that's not the same as seeing it. We also had the good fortune of seeing the waterfall that was the last obstacle before reaching the Stromness whaling plant, and Shackleton's grave at Grytviken (interesting that he wanted to be buried there). The Grytviken museum had a facsimile of the J Caird, and having just crossed the Drake Passage in "good" conditions, it is nuts that their rescue plan worked.