Author Archives: cindybrownmiller
Neko Harbour, Antarctica November 23, 2024
Our last day in Antarctica was so fun. The sun was shining, we saw a mother humpback whale and her calf, and we took the Polar Plunge! The crew had a DJ playing hype music, a bartender with shots and hot chocolate, and the ship’s doctor was standing by. The Expedition Team tied tethers around … Continue reading
Port Charcot and Port Lockroy, Antarctica
We had a great day in the zodiacs today – we saw Weddell Seals, an elephant seal, penguins, and a rainbow. Two members of the UK Heritage Trust came onboard to give us a presentation about their work. They operate the world’s most southern Post Office and are restoring refuge huts and research stations used … Continue reading
Wilhemina Bay and Cuverville Island, Antarctica November 21, 2024
The ship made an ice landing in Wilhemina Bay – it honestly looked like we were at the end of the earth! The ship was surrounded by ice and fog, and the ship’s bow was buried in the ice. Our Expedition Team posed in front of the ship. Cuverville Island had so many penguins!
Danco Island and Chiriguano Bay, Antarctica November 30, 2024
We landed on Danco Island this morning via the zodiacs. Gentoo penguins and Weddell seals covered the island. This afternoon we sailed around Chiriguano Bay in the zodiacs. We were surrounded by penguins porpoising and snowy peaks. Summer solstice is almost here – the sun sets around 10:30pm and rises around 3:30am.
D’Hainaut Island, Mikkelson Harbour, and Cierva Cove, Antarctica November 19, 2024
Our first stop this morning was D’Hainaut Island. It was very rainy, snowy, and windy but my husband took amazing photos that look Photoshopped. There was a small Argentine refuge hut surrounded by Gentoo penguins. This afternoon we cruised in the zodiacs around Mikkelson Harbour and Cierva Cove. Primavera Research Station had several red buildings … Continue reading
Half Moon Island, South Shetland Islands November 18, 2024
We had an early morning yesterday when Seabourn’s expedition team called us down to try on our BOGS boots and listen to the IAATO briefing. Tour operators to the Antarctic must give us a presentation on how to visit the continent safely and without contaminating the land or animals. Avian Flu is a concern as … Continue reading
Ushuaia, Argentina November 16, 2024
We joined Seabourn Expeditions this morning with a charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, the jumping off point of most expeditions to Antarctica. We boarded the Seabourn Pursuit, a ship built last year for polar sailings with an ice-strengthened hull, 2 submarines, 24 zodiacs, kayaks, and 24 Expedition Team members who will lead our … Continue reading
Buenos Aires, Argentina November 13, 2024
Our 10.5 hour overnight flight to Argentina was so much easier on my jetlag than flights to Europe! Although long flights are never fun, it definitely helped flying south and to a similar time zone. BENS L’Hotel Palermo is located in the Palermo neighborhood of Buenos Aires. The hotel and the neighborhood are beautiful – … Continue reading
Monte Carlo, Monaco May 9, 2024
We took the train from Nice to Monte Carlo this afternoon. It was fairly small (only 2 miles across) and easy to explore on foot. We walked around the casino and the marina. Formula One Grand Prix will be held in 2 weeks, so they are constructing stands and blocking roads.
Eze, France May 8, 2024
We took the tram and bus from Nice to Eze, a medieval village just outside of Nice. Eze reminded me of Mont Saint Michel and San Marino’s Old Town. It had narrow streets winding their way up the cliffside. We had a nice lunch and ice cream at a small cafe and shopped in small … Continue reading