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November 25 – Dec 7, 2022 | Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Antarctica!
With Special Guest – Sally Duxfield
Champions Summary:
This was my very first MYEO event to champion, and boy, was it an unforgettable experience!
It all started with a wild idea to venture to the southernmost reaches of our planet alongside a group of fellow EOers. I held 10 cabins for 20 passengers onboard one of my favourite expedition ships and crossed my fingers hoping that others would be up for the adventure.
Fast forward to November 2022, and there I was, preparing to travel to the frozen continent with 64 amazing EOers & their guests from all over the world, including Spain, Germany, Nepal, India, Colombia, El Salvador, USA, UAE, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
As we gathered in Buenos Aires, Argentina, anticipation filled the air, setting the stage for the adventure of a lifetime.
Together we flew south to Ushuaia, the gateway to Antarctica, where we boarded our trusty vessel, the Ocean Victory.
The weather gods decided to test us as we crossed the infamous Drake Passage, but with her innovative X-bow design, the Ocean Victory handled it like a pro and we arrived in Antarctica undeterred and feeling like true polar explorers.
Once in Antarctica, we were greeted by a frozen wonderland unlike any other. In November, Antarctica is just awakening after its harsh winter, and picture-perfect landscapes stretched as far as the eye could see, each corner revealing a new marvel of nature. From majestic penguin colonies to towering icebergs, every moment felt like a scene from a dream.
Twice a day we disembarked the ship to explore, visiting immense colonies of nesting penguins, historical huts and research stations. We floated quietly on zodiacs amidst the towering icebergs, observing leopard seals lazing on the ice and keeping our eyes out for roaming whales.
Many from the group also took the opportunity to kayak, snow-shoe, and a few even spent a night camping on the ice.
Back onboard the Ocean Victory, we found ourselves surrounded by luxury in the most remote of settings. With state-of-the-art amenities and spacious accommodations, the ship became our home away from home amidst the icy expanse.
Evenings were a time for enlightenment, as our expedition team shared their expert knowledge on topics ranging from marine life to Antarctic history.
I also bought along a special guest, Sally Duxfield, who conducted a three lecture series, steeped in neuroscience, called “The Leading Edge”. Her talks focused on busy people who want to learn how to reduce stress, decrease anxiety and gain control of their day and Antarctica was a perfect setting to reflect on this. Visiting Antarctica is the closest thing you can do to leaving the planet. The world as we know it seems like a million miles away, and it is the perfect place to reflect and reset, to find awe and gratitude, to find peace and calm.
But it wasn't all serious business aboard the ship. We shared many moments of joy and laughter, from a stunningly surreal summer time BBQ on the ship’s deck, to taking the plunge into the icy waters during our Polar Plunge.
Onboard the ship was a group from the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), this group included Joe Musgrove, All-Star pitcher for the San Diego Padres Major League Baseball team, his team mate Sean Manaea, along with three CAF athletes. Their goal was to set a world record for the fastest pitch ever thrown in Antarctica and to push limits and help change perceptions of challenged athletes in the most extreme environment on earth.
Watching them navigate the challenging terrain was both humbling and inspiring. Their determination and their smiles were a joy to witness. We all enjoyed listening to the athletes present their personal stories one evening after dinner, it was a truly moving experience. And one lucky EOer even walked away with the baseball, signed by Joe Musgrove and the other athletes, which he purchased at the charity auction onboard. Super cool.
Read the full story – BRINGING LIFE WITHOUT LIMITATIONS TO THE END OF THE EARTH
As our journey drew to a close and we sailed back across the Drake Passage, hearts full and spirits high, we toasted to new friendships forged and memories made. Antarctica had left an indelible mark on each of us, reminding us of the boundless wonders awaiting those brave enough to explore.
So here's to the thrill of adventure, the beauty of nature, and the joy of sharing unforgettable experiences with kindred spirits. Until next time, Antarctica. Cheers to the journey!
Want to know more about this trip?
Read more about this itinerary here.
Note: this itinerary runs with both Ocean Albatros and Ocean Victory vessels.
Read "Antarctica Made Me a Better Human" by EO member Jay Wilkinson
Register your interest for our next Antarctica adventure- Mel or Rach to guide JRV to find link
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