We just concluded our biggest adventure by far –- an amazing expedition to Antarctica with National Geographic Expeditions.
We were deeply moved by the pristine beauty of the White Continent and were in awe of its rich wildlife.
We hiked in glaciered mountains, walked on sea ice, cruised and kayaked on breathtaking bays and harbors.
We were delighted by tons of nesting penguins, seals sunbathing on icebergs and many birds hovering in cold sky; and we were in shock and awe as we witnessed group of killer whales attacking then feeding on a poor minke whale.
We saw fascinating relics of old whaling industry and military/research stations.
And yes, we got a bit shaken by the Drake Passage, but it was part of the deal.
We felt privileged to attend lectures and workshops from amazing National Geographic photographers, naturalists, and scientists. We learned a lot from them, and were profoundly inspired by their great works and deep passion for what they do.
We didn’t want it to end……
We’re very grateful for the incredible experience, which we would love to share with you in more details in the next several posts. For now, let us share with you some of the snapshots from the expedition.
Our first landfall in Antartica! It was amazing to be here and to finally step into our seventh and last continent.
Some of the nesting penguins in a colony of about twenty thousand in Brown Bluff.
The majestic icescape in Ciera Cove.
A small bird resting on top of an iceberg in Cuverville.
Hiking in Cuverville. (Our fellow travelers look like penguins on the trail.)
Ice, ice, ice baby! The Lamaire Channel
Kayaking in Neko Harbor.
Walking on sea ice in Active Sound
Old whaler’s boat in Deception Island.
Encounter with Gentoo penguin colony during a night hike on Danco Island.
An old British military and research station in Port Lockroy.
Full moon rising over Mount Francais, the tallest peak in the Antarctic Peninsula.
Keith’s big workout on his birthday.
We hope you enjoyed the preview of our Antarctic expedition. Our adventure continues in Easter Island, the world’s most remote inhabited island. It’s another wonderful journey that we look forward to share with you.
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Linking to The Weekly Postcard, Weekend Travel Inspiration, Travel Photo Thursday. Weekend Wanderlust, Travel Photo Monday
Whoa! That’s the destination to end all destinations. Is this the trip where you get lectures to go with sightseeing? My friend went to Antarctica and she brought amazing pictures too.
So envious!!!!!
Photo Cache recently posted..Leaving town and driving pretty
Hi Maria, Yes this trip included lectures from scientist and naturalists and workshops and presentations from Nat Geo photographers. It was a very enriching experience.
So, THAT’S where you two have been!! OMG Marisol and Keith I’m so incredibly happy for you both! I’ve been a subscriber to Nat Geo Expeditions for a few years now and always read the itinerary of the Antarctica trip. Now, to read a post from two of my friends who made the epic journey!!! This absolutely gave me goosebumps and put the biggest smile on my face! Happy belated Birthday Keith…and hey bud…tug a little harder on the boat. C’mon you can do it!!
Mike recently posted..Anthony’s Restaurant At SeaTac Airport In Seattle Washington
Hi Mike, an epic journey it ruly was. We still have goose pimples just recalling our amazing experince in Antartica. I hope you get to experience it yourself someday. Keith thanks you for the birthday greeting.
UNBELIEVABLE!!! That’s the experience of lifetime! Congrats, Guys! So happy for you (and a little bit jealous 😉
All photos are amazing, but a Moon shot is a killer! Can’t wait to see more pictures!
Happy Holidays!
memographer recently posted..Antoni Gaudi â The Architect of the Wonderland
Thank you Alex.! It truly was an experience of a lifetime. Glad you enjoyed the photos.
Wow, Antartica is a major bucket list item! Looks stunning! How cold was it – haha! I love that photo of the moon, and all of the ice with that tint of blue. Of course the penguins are adorable. Can’t wait to hear more about what you were up to while there!
Katie recently posted..Winter Squash Pasta with Sage Recipe
Hi Katie, it was cold -with average of mid-20’s during the day. But we were properly dressed for it sio we were never cold.
What?!? This is mind blowing! What an unbelievably cool experience! Your photos are amazing. I can’t wait to see more!
Erica Baker recently posted..Maternity Wards: Guyana
Thank you Eirca! It was really a cool expereince. I hope you will like the next batches of photos.
Marisol recently posted..Our Journey To Antarctica: A Preview
WOW! What an incredible experience. The photos are magical, particularly the full moon over the Antarctica. I know a young man who works on the ships that takes supplies to the Arctic and his photos and experiences always blow me away.
Kathy Marris recently posted..Bountiful Burleigh
Hi Kathy, it truly was an incredible experience and to be surrounded by magical sights, Your friend must loved his job!
Wow! You have to tell me more about this expedition because I want to go too. It’s breathtaking indeed, and your pictures are gloriously beautiful. Was it at any point scary? I need to know because I am not brave at all and I really want to take this trip.
Hi Anda, I’m so glad to hear that you have an inclination to do this expedition. I say definitely go for it. Nothing scary at all. We were a bit worried about crossing the Drake Passage, but after it was all said and done – it was no big deal. I really wish from the bottom of my heart that you get to do this amazing expedition soon.
Marisol…I’m so green with envy right now. Your photos are absolutely stunning, and to be able to hear lectures from National Geographic…Honestly, I can’t think of anything better. So awesome to have all seven continents. Congrats! Thanks for linking up with Weekend Travel Inspiration!
Corinne recently posted..Weekend Travel Inspiration – Germany
Hi Corinne, thank you! Glad you enjoyed the photos. Traveling with Nat Geo crew was really incredible. Thanks for hosting the link.
Lovely photos…
Muza-chan recently posted..47 Ronin Day
Thanks Lili!
Hi Marisol. What an adventure you’ve had! All of your photos are gorgeous. I love the one with the moon. Looking forward to reading more!
Nancie recently posted..Czech’s Karlovy Vary for Travel Back Saturday
Hi Nancie, thanks and glad you enjoyed the images. Seeing the full over Antarctica was an awesome experience.
See Marisol, every time you leave this blog you’ll return with even greater stories than your previous trips. I thought Bora Bora was already incredible, but there you were, in Antarctica! The landscape looks amazingly surreal. Iceland on steroid, it seems.
And the fact that you also went to Easter Island is just mind-boggling. I really can’t wait to read more!
Hi Bama, I’m glad that you’re able to keep tab of our travels and find them incredible. Antarctica’s landscape was truly beyond amazing. Its beautify is way beyond our expectations. You’re right, it’s Iceland in super steroid but much more pristine. I hope you’ll enjoy the coming posts.
Wow!! I’m honestly not kidding when I say that this is the most epic thing I have ever seen!!! I haven’t read of anyone’s account to Antarctica yet, so I’m so looking forward to reading more!! Your pictures are so, so gorgeous! I can’t even imagine what it must feel like to be standing on the end of the Earth. What an incredible adventure!
Anna | slightly astray recently posted..Thai porky obsession: khao kha moo
Hi Anna, thank you! It truly was an incredible adventure and, yes, so epic for us. I hope you enjoy reading more of our posts on Antarctica.
Awesome! (And that’s not a word I use lightly).
Antarctica is high on my list. Look forward to seeing more fantastic photos .
thank you, Sophie. I sincerely hope that you make it to Antarctica soon.
Whoa, your photos look just epic! I’d love to visit Antarctica one day, yet I need to tighten up my budget first
Can’t wait to see more pictures of the glaciers and snow planes you’ve seen!
Hi Elena, I wish for you to see Antarctica one day. The pictures cannot capture the epic beauty of the glaciers and snow planes.
What an awesome opportunity and your photos showcase it to perfection. The final shot of Keith pulling the boat along is fantastic.
budget jan recently posted..November 2013 – 2104 Budget Travel Talk
Thank you so much Jan. That photo of Keith is my personal favorite as well:)
Amazing photos!! I can’t wait to go to Antarctica someday but I feel like I really need to work on my photography skills before I go to capture the experience.
Tamara @ We3Travel recently posted..Warming up to Winter at Foxwoods
Thanks Tamara! I wish you and your camera a wonderful time in Antartica someday:)
Wow this looks like an amazing trip! I can’t wait to finally make it to Antarctica someday.
Richelle recently posted..Why You Definitely Need a VPN
Thanks Richelle. I hope you make it there soon!
Marisol recently posted..Antarctica Expedition: Sailing from Ushuaia & Crossing the Drake Passage
Cez is absolutely crazy and obsessed about going to Antarctica so I can just imagine how jealous he is!!!
I can’t blame him for being crazy obsessed. It’s an incredible place to experience and I hope he gets there soon. And you as well!
Marisol recently posted..Antarctica Expedition: Sailing from Ushuaia & Crossing the Drake Passage
OMG this looks spectacular! I’ve always wanted to go to Antarctica, can’t wait to read the rest of your stories about the trip.
Erin | No Ordinary Nomad recently posted..Everest Base Camp Trek Day 5 Part 1 – Tengboche
Hi Erin, Antarctica is truly is spectacular. I hope you enjy the next posts.
Wow! This is amazing that you got to travel to Antarctica, that really is the trip of a lifetime! I really love the shot of the full moon, spectacular.
Hi Katie, it truly was amazing. We’re still pinching ourselves, we still marveling that we were actually there.
I don’t do well in the cold but it sounds like your trip was amazeballs. Looking forward to more detailed posts, can’t wait!
Rachael@safari254 recently posted..Sights & People from the North Rift
Hi Rachel, If you’re properly dressed, you’ll be just fine. So don’t worry about the cold and think about all the amazing experience.
SPEC-TACULAR!!!!! I have always wanted to go here and your photos and stories (those WHALES??!!!) make me want to go even more. Merry Christmas and happy new year to you both! xxx
Sarah Somewhere recently posted..Allowing Abundance
Hi Sarah, I wish for you to go there soon!! I’m sure the whales would welcome the good vibrations you’ll bring:)
Wow, I’ve always wanted to visit Antarctica especially with this outfit, amazing trip. I can’t wait to see more of your upcoming posts!
noel recently posted..A visit to the Oracles of Delphi – Travel Photo Mondays
Hi Noel, this trip with Nat Geo was beyond amazing. I hope you get to do it with them soon. I can’t wait to see the photographs you will take.
I can’t believe you and Keith have already gone there. Am sooooo envious!!!! It’s just too expensive for me. :'( My fave shot is that of the moonrise. What a fantastic view!
Aleah | SolitaryWanderer.com recently posted..5 Things I Miss About Thailand
Aleah, remember “ask and you shall receive.”
I wish for you to go to Antarctica one day. Keep the dream alive.
Marisol recently posted..Antarctica Expedition: Sailing from Ushuaia & Crossing the Drake Passage
Wow! Completely incredible, and an amazing experience to have in your lifetime! Look forward to reading about this epic adventure!
Katie recently posted..Christmas Food Around the World
Hi Katie, it war really an amazing experience of a lifetime. Although, we wish we can go back for some more:)
Wow wow wow….what an exciting adventure! I’d love to see everything of course, but it would be so interesting to hear the lectures, too! I’d love to learn up close like this. Amazing photos.
Lauren recently posted..Join us in Supporting the #JustOneRhino Campaign
Thanks Lauren. It really was an exciting adventure and the he lectures surely did add a great depth to our experience.
I’m looking forward to reading more about Antarctica. I’ve never had a yearning to go there because I don’t like the severe cold, but maybe that will change as I read your posts. I am curious to know about the National Geographic Explorer ship. I’m soooo looking forward to your posts about Easter Island as that’s one of the places on our travel wish list for late 2015. You guys are travel rock stars!
Dana Carmel @ Time Travel Plans recently posted..Where to Stay in the Rogue Valley: Weasku Inn
Hi Dana, as I told Rachel, as long as you’re dressed property you can forget about the cold and just focus on the incredible experience. Easter Island is wonderful. Glad to hear you’re planning to go. I hope our posts will inspire you more.
Marisol recently posted..Antarctica Expedition: Sailing from Ushuaia & Crossing the Drake Passage
Hi guys, such super amazing images of your super incredible epic journey. They gave me goose pimples. I can”t wait to see more photos and learn more about your experiences, You guys are so inspiring
Aww, thank you, Kira! I hope you will enjoy the photos in the next posts.
I’ve been really looking forward to reading about your trip and seeing your photos. They look amazing, especially the ice scape at Ciera Cove and the full moon shot. That photo of Keith pulling the boat is hilarious. I’ve heard that the Drake Passage can be rather like a roller coaster ride, and I wonder how I’d do since I’m so prone to motion sickness.
Michele {Malaysian Meanders} recently posted..A Look Back Around the Globe in 2014
Hi Michele, thanks. Glad you enjoyed the photos. Crossing the Drake Passage is just a small price to pay for experience the great wonders of Antartica.. I hope the anti-motion sickness pills can give your relief.
WOW! Absolutely amazing photographs 😀 I want to visit Antarctica very badly and I hope to get there in the near future. In the meantime, I will live vicariously through your blog 😀
Hi Chanel, thank you,. I hope from the bottom of my heart that you get there in the near future.
Marisol recently posted..Antarctica Expedition: Sailing from Ushuaia & Crossing the Drake Passage
Oh, oh, oh! Antarctica was never somewhere I ever considered visiting before we set out on our big trip, but the more of the world we see, the more of it we want to see, and Antarctica certainly seems a world apart from anywhere else we’ve been. The scenery is just absolutely stunning, and I can only imagine how fascinating all the lectures you got to attend were as well! I’m sure when we’re sweating it out in Mexico this will look even more alluring—now that we are in Rochester, MN where it is so cold that it sometimes hurts to breathe, I have to admit I am more than content to bask in Antarctica’s splendor through your photos alone! 😉
Steph (@ 20 Years Hence) recently posted..Hello I Must Be Going
Hi Steph, Antarctica is truly is a world a way from the places we normally travel too and visiting it is so so worthwhile. I hope you and Tony get to visit it someday.
Love it! These are amazing and it was great to see glimpses of your adventure through FB. So glad you had an incredible experience. My son is obsessed with going to Antarctica and I can’t wait to show these to him. Those wildlife photos are just spectacular. Happy New Year to the both of you and wishing you many more adventures in 2015.
Mary {The World Is A Book} recently posted..Travel Highlights and Adventures of 2014
Hi Mary, thanks! Glad to hear that your son is obssessed about going to Antarctica. That’s an incredible place to aspire for for someone so young. I can’t wait for your family to get there. You will all have an amazing experience.
What a fabulous adventure! I went to the Arctic for the first time in 2014 but yet to visit the Antarctic. I’ll be visiting North America for the first time this year (bear watching in Canada) there’s so much of this wonderful world I’ve yet to explore. Looking forward to your forthcoming posts from the White Continent..
Kathryn Burrington recently posted..Hiking Santorini 2: The hidden village of Akrilia
Hi Kathryn,
Wow, bear watching in Canada sounds amazing. I’m sure you will enjoy your first trip to North America.
I remember reading your Arctic post. We hope to get there ourselves soon.