Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition

Wow... where to begin. The most amazing trip i have ever been on. Being one of the few to say i have visited Antarctica is something i will never get used to. The trip was breathtaking from start to end. I couldn't reccomend it enough.

An awe-inspiring experience which exceeded all our expectations. The scenery is truly stunning, as were the encounters with wildlife. Life aboard the Academik Ioffe was very comfortable, the food was good and experts were on hand to help us with all aspects of the trip. After the first spectacular day of expeditions, we wondered how the rest of the trip could even begin to match the early promise, but each day brought new experiences and excitements.

The journey to and from Ushuaia was long and tedious but when we got on the boat things improved immediately. The journey across Drakes Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula was a bit rough and I was sick until the Doctor gave me some very good pills. Once there it was calm. we started at King George Island and went south, calling at various Islands as we went. There was floating Ice and Icebergs everywhere.Everything was black(rock) or white (Ice). We saw nothing green after leaving King George. The only other colour was a bit of yellow (lichen) and some red stain on the snow. The scenery was everywhere spectacular. Ice Cliffs with blocks breaking off and black rock precipices. There were a few rocky beaches and one black sand beach.We were loaned Wellington Boots and given a heavy, warm waterproof jacket for use on the zodiacs and on land. In antarctica they were very useful and necessary but I don't think it will ever be cold enough in Enland for me to wear it again.There were penguins everywhere. we landed at one colony and I have never seen so many creatures of one species together at the same time. They smelled awful.. We crossed the antarctic circle and tried to land at one of the scientific bases but it was too rough. We went back north and paused in Paradise Harbour. Here it was fantastically smooth and peacefull. We saw an occasional Whale and some of the party went on a zodiac cruise to where there were some spectacular grounded icebergs. There were also seals and lots of birdsWe landed at one scientific station and I climbed a low cliff and looked into the water. I could see a penguin catching fish under the water. On land the penguins were clumsy and awkward, under the water they were incredibly quick and active, darting here and there like dragonflies.On the last day we went to Deception Island. This is a flooded volcanic caldera. We entered through a very narrow entrance called 'Neptunes Bellows' and landed just inside the entrance. Inside the caldera, the water was warmed by volcanic activity and some people went swimming. Sadly, one thing I hadn't brought was a bathing costume.Finally back across Drakes Passage to Ushuaia, much smoother than the way out and we saw Cape HornThe journey back from Ushuaia was awful but that was British Airway's fault not of the tour operator.

One of the best experiences of my life. Icebergs, whales, seals, penguins, historic huts and awe inspiring (in the true sense of that overused term) scenery.

The trip delivered everything promised - and more. The scenery and wildlife were as hoped for and the Zodiacs got us to the right places. The programme of talks on passage days and in the evenings were excellent. The ship (Ioffe) was better than I expected - comfortable, quiet, well maintained, and with a helpful crew.