In the footsteps of Shackleton . . .
South Georgia Island
and the
Antarctic Peninsula
. . . aboard MV Marco Polo: 1/19/03 - 1/31/03
This "trip of a lifetime" has proven to be just that for us. We took approximately 500 photos, many of which are presented in slideshow format via the links below. Hopefully, they will come close to giving you some feeling for this beautiful, surreal land of mystery.
Although the Marco Polo can accommodate 800 passengers, cruises to Antarctica are limited to 400 passengers by virtue of the practical terms of the International Antarctic Treaty. This treaty also governs landings and human impact on the wildlife. Consequently, many photos were taken from a distance. In several pictures, you may notice that the beach is peppered with white spots that could be mistaken for snow. These are PENGUINS - thousands of them. Also, look closer at what appear to be rocks - they could be SEALS. When we did land, it was by inflatable Zodiacs, as you will see in several shots.
We agree that this was far and away the most incredible vacation of our lives and hope you enjoy the show.
Ewa and Marc McCulloch
The photos are organized by date and location per the following itinerary.
To begin each slide show, click on the first thumbnail image. To return to this page, click on the UP arrow and follow the link.
January 19 - 22: Enroute to Bay of Isles, South Georgia Island from Ushuaia, Argentina. (South Georgia Island is known as the "Gateway to Antarctica").
January 23: Grytviken, South Georgia Island (former whaling village and grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton)
January 24: Gold Harbour, South Georgia Island
January 26: Shingle Cove, Coronation Island (South Orkney Islands)
January 28: Hope Bay, ANTARCTIC PENINSULA (landing)
January 29-30: Rounding the infamous CAPE HORN and final party, enroute to Ushuaia, Argentina
January 30-31: Ushuaia, Argentina and Tierra del Fuego National Park (Ushuaia - pop. 50,000 - southernmost city in the world.)