My trip to Antarctica was off to a slow start. Not only had I spent four days in South America, waiting to get to my final destination, but I spent another two days getting across the Drake Passage. Even that voyage, which is one of the supposed most fearsome seas on the planet, had been underwhelming, with only minor waves that our boat easily rode up and down as it sailed south. That's not to say that I wanted to get seasick, but when you hear stories of 100-foot waves, you can't help but want to see them for yourself.
The first time I saw the land was pretty unique. After days at sea, we landed near Deception Island, an active volcano and former whaling station 75 miles from Antarctica. Even then, I wasn't totally blown away by it, having seen wintery hillsides before. We saw a few penguins and a seal, and before I knew it, we were back on the boat, heading south to the actual continent.
I had built up the idea of Antarctica in my mind. I was expecting a total shock to my system. Anything less would be underwhelming. And after a few days into my journey, I did not have a total shock to the system.
But the next morning. Oh, the next morning.
