The task of bringing such a trip into summary is beyond this writer. What started three weeks ago in the port of Ushuaia has come full circle. The experiences in between have been chronicled with hundreds of cameras taking thousands upon thousands of photos, but what remains most are the memories.
The list of wildlife encounters reads like a true expedition should. Seven species of penguins, beaches full of Antarctic fur seal pups, more fin whales than could be counted, leopard seals in abundance – all this and more exploring the rich waters of the Southern Ocean.
Today was spent at sea. The journey provided ample time to reminisce, edit the myriad of photos, and most importantly share stories with those who took part in the experience. Both staff and guests were with glee knowing what the combination of raw nature and fine weather did to accent the experience.
You cannot demand such outcomes. You can only choose to go, and the National Geographic Orion did just that. Blazing on to the Antarctic Peninsula, the most remote sea bird nesting grounds in the world at South Georgia, and finally for a bit of nature and history in the Falkland Islands. We are all changed from the experience, for the better, and the stories will be long-lived through the years of what we saw and shared together.
