Ten years ago, in January 2013, I was heading toward Antarctica. Some of you were already blog friends and followed that amazing journey as, dressed in many warm/waterproof layers, and often sporting a red nose, I sailed to the "end of the world" aboard an expedition ship with 120 excited passengers and a fabulous crew. Shipboard life was not new as I had already sailed the sub-Antarctic Islands of New Zealand and Australia in 2011 on another ship, and then traveled by that same ship to the Kimberley region of Western Australia in 2012. I had earned my sea legs, learned how to fend off seasickness, and become an adventurer rather late in life! Other expeditions followed where being at sea for long periods became the most exciting times of my life.
This year January is following a December that was a month of joy and sadness. I'm not doing much here in blog land as my mind is still so busy with other things. My daily routine feels different. The weather is changeable from below freezing nights to a balmy 70F today. Brilliant green bluebell leaves are poking through the ground. Will the deer nibble them, will the cold nights freeze them? The garden looks sad and uncared for at this time of year. Thoughts of spring are mostly of hard work waiting out there to get plants and shrubs back to growing and blooming, and general cleaning and tidying up.
In all honesty, I would like to be back in Antarctica. Any thoughts of green gardens and all the work they entail, would be struck from my mind as I once again sailed silently between mile long icebergs, viewing whales, seals and delightful penguins. Boarding Zodiacs to go ashore was a daily ritual I really loved. You do know I hope that Antarctica is not all white! Blues of every shade are a feast for the eyes. . . . . you don't even miss the greens!
If you have the opportunity to go, do it, you won't be sorry!
.png)
I remember you going on that trip and thinking how adventurous you were!
ReplyDeleteHaha! Even taking a train to Liskeard was a great adventure for me - with you at the end of the journey? Perhaps we can see you in Truro come October - what do you think dear friend?
DeleteDearest Mary,
ReplyDeleteYou both have been daring!
Of all our friends there is only my Dutch friend Mariƫlle who has been to Antarctica.
Nothing for both of us as we love the warm weather and greenery.
Interesting to see movies of the landscape and the animals—but in the comfort of home!
Just got back from Atlanta and on Tuesday we got a nice renovation done—it's on the blog...
Hugs,
Mariette
Love your windows Mariette - we often think of doing ours however a new roof comes first on the to do list! I'm dreading that. I know you and Pieter prefer tropical climes whereas I'm a cold weather lover. Can you imagine me in Singapore - probably the hottest/most humid city I've ever been in - that was tough! Antarctica was not too cold (30-40F daytime) - it was 'summer' there in January!!!!!
Deleteš¤
DeleteI hope the joy may soon outweigh the sadness, dear Mary. Spring is but a dream here right now; yes, we already have a few minutes more daylight every day, and some audacious blackbird or other can be heard in the mornings and around sunset, but it's below freezing at night and just above during the day.
ReplyDeleteNot sure a trip to Antarctica would be for me - it sounds fascinating, but the hassle of the long trip to even just get there puts me off. Friends of mine have been on the Hurtigruten up Norway, and their photos and stories of the trip make me want to try that, too, but again - the long way to just get there...
Meike dear, I will never hurry spring's arrival - I do love winter months, winter clothes, cooking winter stews etc!!! A fire on the hearth in the evenings is perfection.
DeleteAgree that those crazy expedition trips are not for the faint-hearted. Getting to the 'ends of the earth' whether north or south. mean long and sometimes arduous travel - and of course is not a cheap escapade! However, I've always been fortunate to have a great time and the journey was worth all the work. These days aging might stop me - but I'm still hoping to get back to Germany one of these days, that should be manageable don't you agree? See you there hopefully.
Dear Mary, what a super photo of you in the Antarctic - not many of us have one of those :) It looks like you had the most amazing time there, and then you have also been on a trip near the Equator to the Kimberley. Despite living in Australia all my life, I have never seen the 'top end' of our continent. The indigenous art alone would be enough to attract me, one day. January blues hit me too, and I look forward to a more productive February as we get back into the swing of life after the Summer holidays.
ReplyDeleteTrish you must go there - and yes you will be bowled over by the indigenous art. Take a trip to Darwin and from there a guided tour to Kakadu and Arnhem Land so you can actually visit a village and see artists at work.
DeleteHere's a couple of links with photos to my visit there - hope you can open.
https://abreathoffreshair-mary.blogspot.com/2012/10/strange-day-in-arnhem-land-northern.html
https://abreathoffreshair-mary.blogspot.com/2012/10/with-these-hands.html
How fabulous and very brave I would have been a little afraid as its such a seldom visited destination, but the colours you have shown and described must have been an outstanding sight.
ReplyDeleteMore people go now however many are on traditional cruise ships that don't have the ability to put you ashore - they just sail by. To me that's not the same as actually stepping onto the continent and getting your Passport stamped!!!!
DeleteThanks for the comment - wish you had added you name.
Dear Mary, I adore your stamina and courage to go onto such a long journey - and see that is was fascinating and worthwhile!
ReplyDeleteI wasn't in blogland for a while and hope that the mixture of "joy and sadness" in December that you mention was not overpowering.
It was a very strange year - let's hope that 2023 gives us new strength and support.
Britta let's hope we can keep going with our blogs this year. I'm slow in getting going and still trying to deal with the loss of my long time friend's son in a horrendous auto accident at Christmas.
DeleteI definitely don't have the stamina I had just 10 years ago - the COVID years have not been kind to those of us who are up in age - so I encourage younger people to travel as far and as often as then can while they can!!!!
Belated Happy New Year Britta dear.
It must be hard to endure the shocking loss, dear Mary. I feel for you.
DeleteAs much as I love travelling around Europe, the Americas, Asia and Australasia regularly, I haven't yet tried Africa or Antarctica. Not sure why, especially since you say you loved it all.
ReplyDeleteHi Hels - I'm sure you would love those places. I know I will never be able to return to Antarctica however I would love to return to the African continent - Botswana, Kenya, Zambia being my favorites for the animals and people, along with Morocco for the colors and food! Actually the food was wonderful in every country as they really seemed to cater for we vegetarians!
DeleteThat beautiful photograph at the bottom of your post is worth a thousand words.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement, but Maine is as cold as I wish to be. Thank you for going and sharing the journey so well.
ReplyDeleteYou've had so many wonderful adventure. It's nice to read about them. Antarctica looks like a spectacular place.
ReplyDeleteI remember your trip, Mary, and showed it all to Tim. I would love to do that excursion one day, but we will have to see what life brings. We did make it to the Arctic last summer! It's much more accessible than the Antarctic. Your photos are well worth looking at once again. Isn't it lovely to have those memories?
ReplyDeleteIt's good to see you on IG although I'm not there very much.