Wild Adventures - Kayak and Camping

Conquering the White Continent - Part 5

We slipped into our kayaks and started paddling. One oar at a time gliding through the cold but calm waters. No sound but the cracking of the ice in the distance but listening to the commands of our expedition leader. Always keeping an eye out on the Ice floes moving past us. But then we saw a whale blow in the distance. We slowly moved closer to these gently giants but leaving plenty of space for them to decide. In one quick moment, a succession of clicks of the camera and the ultimate timing. A picture of a lifetime.

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Its 6pm and the icy rain has just started falling. Dressed in the warmest clothes I have, I make my way down to the locker room and the zodiacs waiting for us. We head towards shore and for the umpteenth time, ask myself why am I doing this. Type A fun, I remind myself. A once in a lifetime experience, to camp on the 7th continent. 7pm. I gather my bivy sack and make my way up the steep hill to base camp. The icy rain is getting harder as I slip and fall to the area I will dig out and bury myself for the night. I dig and dig and dig making sure there is enough room for the bivy sack and myself, there wasn't. There is no campfire, no tents, no instructions on how to set up the bivy. You are on your own. 9PM, I hunkered down for the night as sleet rattles against the gear. Trying in vain to cover any exposed skin. Every movement allows more snow to fall into the bivy. Sounds are amplified. I hear the whale blows in the distance and the boom of falling glaciers. Time ticks by slowly. The shivers start but I focus on the beauty of feeling alive on the ice, fully present. 2AM. Oh no, the bathroom calls. Finding the boots and jacket, I make my way down the hill to the makeshift latrine. I get back but no use getting to sleep. I watch the penguin's wattle on the ice wishing i had webbed feet and oil slick feathers. In this harsh and unpredictable landscape, I am reminded of the unforgettable beauty. 3AM. Everyone starts to stir. No one slept that night as we pack up the soaking wet gear and wait for the zodiacs to take us back to the warm ship. 3:30AM. The rain stops.... Would i do it again. In a heartbeat.

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The captain gets on the loudspeaker. We have just crossed 66 degrees. We are officially below the Antarctic Circle. But he wasnt done, Anyone who want to do the Polar Plunge, meet in the main deck in 40 minutes. Everyone scrambles back to there cabins, getting ready for this right of passage. Swimsuits replace fleece, bathrobes replace parkas. We wanted a crystal blue sky, but alas its cold and snow has started to fall. We wait for our number to be called. Excitement builds in the lockerroom. Finally its time. Its over in a few seconds as you jump and get hauled back in. Its not cold until it hits your scalp. Then you go numb. Criticizing my technique. A shot of tequila waiting to warm you up.

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