Page 28 - Explore - Autumn/Winter 2019

Our first sighting of land was the South Shetland was quick to prove that age was no barrier! bubble-net feeding incredibly close to the
Islands. Walking up the beach with elephant seals, boat, as well as Orca. We spent over four
fur seals, and both Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins After each outing, returning to Le Soléal seemed hours changing course to experience this
nearby was incredible and I wasn’t even cold. surreal: we were greeted with open arms and tight scene and many of us didn’t leave the bridge
grips from the team helping us get off the Zodiac,
The Americans in our group were quick to point and after scrubbing a bit of penguin poo from our until after 11pm.
out Chicago was currently at -24C and we were boots, the lounge awaited with live music, a hot
enjoying +1C! toddy and the amazing crew there to welcome us The time we spent on the boat always had a
leisurely feeling and while the daily programme
The following days were filled with breathtaking back in unassuming French style. Meal times on offered lectures, fitness classes and the like, an
scenery, incredible wildlife, vast landscapes, Le Soléal showcased incredible culinary talent afternoon nap or a quiet corner to read in was
rich history and dramatic ice. I never knew and the dessert buffets, cheese selections and also a valid option for many. And just when you
icebergs could be so enchanting: the colours, amazing French bakery selection soon saw more of thought the crew were doing more than enough
textures, shapes and scale were ever-changing. us making use of the gym on board. to enhance the experience, an on-board pool
We managed to see a vast range of wildlife too, party (in aptly named Paradise Bay) saw many
including Emperor, Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adelie Meal times on Le Soléal take the plunge for a quick photo and cocktail!
penguins, Leopard, Weddell and Crabeater seals, showcased incredible
and Orca and Humpback whales. My Ponant Antarctic trip was enriching in so many
culinary talent and the ways. The history, wildlife and sheer scale of the
Our days were spent with landings on the ice as landscape is indescribable and it’s a destination
well as time spent Zodiac inflatable boat cruising. dessert buffets, cheese that truly needs to be experienced to be believed.
The only thing I could begin to compare Zodiac selections and amazing I can still hear the cracking and rumbling of the
cruising to is game-driving in Africa – the thrill ice and still smell the penguins – they don’t smell
of the chase and the scope of the landscape was French bakery selection as good as they look! As our Expedition Leader
breathtaking and became my favourite activity. The soon saw more of us making said at our last briefing, “Many people say they’ve
Expedition Team also doubled as our Zodiac drivers, ‘done’ a destination. You haven’t done Antarctica.
so whatever and wherever the adventure, an expert use of the gym on board. You have lived just a little bit of it.” It was an
was there with us to answer questions and enrich extreme privilege to visit this white continent,
the experience. Ponant also offers kayaking in One evening saw us skip dinner to experience a and it’s now top of my bucket list to return and
Antarctica, and 80-year-old Sharon from Australia horizon filled with whales: Humpback Whales see a bit more of it.

Sarah Porter, Wild Earth Travel’s Business Development Manager, recently visited Antarctica on board Ponant’s Le Soléal.

26 HELLOWORLD TRAVEL : EXPLORE : AUTUMN/WINTER EDITION