Pat

Retired. Have time for the things I love: travel, my cat, reading, good food, travel, genealogy, walking, and of course travel.

Penguincation Part 3

Summer Solstice at Esperanza Station, Antarctic

Summer Solstice and the southernmost point of our trip at 63˚23’ S & 57˚00’ W. It’s a day of thick fog as we crawl through seas amid icebergs to our first landing at Brown Bluff on the Antarctic Continent. Like ghost ships, bergs and bits are obscured by fog. Our second landing is at Argentina’s Esperanza Station, its buildings bright orange against a backdrop of ragged mountains and glaciers, and year-round home to several families. Today it is 470, sunny and clear. However, strong guide wires anchoring the buildings against high winds, the deep snow on the ground, and the presence of penguins remind me this is a harsh and isolated life for its inhabitants. (more…)

By Pat, ago

Penguincation Part 2

John James at Sir Shackleton's grave.

Grytviken is the capital of South Georgia. In its Whalers’ Cemetery is Sir Ernest Shackleton, who died here in 1922 and was buried on a hill facing South, the direction that dominated his entire adult life. We gather for a champagne toast to this explorer extraordinaire. Having read several books on Shackleton, and his unfortunate rival Robert Falcon Scott, I am in awe of their achievements. Joining in our toast is fellow-shipmate Mr. John James, son of Physicist Reginald James, one of Shackleton’s men on the ill-fated Endurance expedition of 1914-1916. In the days ahead, we will hear a lecture by Mr. James about his father’s experience and visit the scene of his survival. (more…)

By Pat, ago

Nautica Captain fends off Pirates

While sailing the Nautica down the West African coast, our Captain Jurica Brajčić spoke to passengers about pirates and the attack made on the Nautica in 2008. Here is his story:

        Captain Jurica Brajčić             Fotograf: Feđa Klarić / Cropix

There were around two dozen passengers today who were on the ship when pirates attacked in 2008. Pirates target vessels traveling 14 kph (9mph) or less and have low clearance to water. Ships are captured for ransom but in West Africa it is oilrigs and ships in ports that are targeted. (more…)

By Pat, ago

Sailing Oceania’s Nautica

Nautica passengers

What was it like cruising for 30 days aboard the Oceania Nautica? As with everything, likes and dislikes are individual tastes. Here are mine:

There are many pluses about the Nautica. The multinational staff is very good. The rooms are comfortable with marvelous mattress and bed linens, DVD player, plenty of storage, and adequate 220 and 110 outlets. I could bring alcohol and wine on board. Water and sodas are complimentary and water is always on the gangway as one debarks. Also, my cell phone received a signal on days at sea and in most ports (I have a SIM with both US and international numbers). Nautica’s best attributes are its size and itinerary. These were the two reasons I chose to sail with Oceania and in neither was I disappointed.

(more…)

By Pat, ago

Cape Town

Table Mountain

After 8515 nautical miles, we arrive in Cape Town surrounded by dense fog. Every 2 minutes, our Captain sounds a long double blast of the horn to warn others of our presence. This spectacular harbor, so looked forward to, is closed. At noon, the boom of the Noon Gun cuts through the fog. We do not. We sit a half-mile outside port to wait for 3 hours.

Dramatically, quickly, the fog lifts to reveal Table Mountain and at its base the beautiful city of Cape Town. Table Mountain is covered with a drapery of clouds flowing like a waterfall down its side. Referred to as its tablecloth, the effect is stunning.

(more…)

By Pat, ago