South

Shackleton titled the memoir about his epic journey to the ice and back “South.” It’s an understated title for an historic adventure, as though his trip was just a little meander towards the pole, an idea, really, nothing special. South. I’ve been reading his book in bits and pieces over the past month. It’s not …


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Non-Voyage? Bon Voyage!

Here’s some promotional footage by the folks who operate the Plancius, my new ship for Antarctica. I sail on February 22nd.

Departure for Antarctica in 17 Days. Or Not. Take Two.

Meet the M/V Plancius. She’s a refurbished scientific research vessel, given a full once over about three years ago. She holds 110 passengers along with about 40 crew (including the expedition leaders — the science and nature guides). She’s not a huge ship, but she’s not the littlest cruise ship you can take to Antarctica …


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Advice for the Ice

In preparing for my trip to Antarctica, I’ve asked previous travelers to share their best advice for my adventure. I’ve been looking for stuff outside the tour material — which is all good, mind you, but not too terribly insightful. I want to know what travelers wish they had, or would do differently, or just …


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One of These Things is Not Like the Other

Pictured: Gadgets and whatnots for my blogging trip to Antarctica. Uke tuner: I tune because I care. Sopranino ukulele. From the delightful Maggie, this little uke is to remain shipboard with the crew after my journey. Cable 1: For the Nikon battery charger Cable 2: For the external hard drive Battery 1: Extended battery for …


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Departure for Antarctica in 17 Days. Or Not.

Earlier this season, the Clelia II — an Antarctica expedition cruise ship — was rocked by big waves and lost an engine. There was some damage, the ship was escorted back to Ushuaia and trips were canceled. The best and most important part of the story is that no one was hurt, though I imagine …


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