From Jen & Tracie Go to Tracie Travels
As many of you know, JenandTracieGo.com was my other travel blog, created with my friend, Jen. We had some great times during our blog outings, but we’ve both become too busy with our independent pursuits to continue producing content there. That blog has gone offline, but I wanted to preserve the great content by bringing it over to this blog, with Jen’s blessing of course!
So, it is my honor to present the first of many blog posts from Jen & Tracie Go, here…
Written by Jen. Photographed by Tracie.
Antarctica: Icy Wonderland
One of the most off the beaten path locations in the world, Antarctica is well worth the journey which can be rather costly, time consuming, and potentially fraught with menacing weather.
Tracie and I have both been lucky enough to travel to Antarctica. We made the journey by way of cruise ship and count that adventure amongst our top three best sailing trips ever. I distinctly recall being giddy for the duration of the trip and dancing around the ship in a state of Antarctic bliss.
Visibility varies with the moody weather and as the photographs so vividly show we were blessed by the weather gods. I remember penguins frolicking and following the wake of the ship. We saw numerous whale pods and even some whales mating – talk about a sight to behold!!! The captain let several of us up on the bridge to take pictures and get prime viewing in. It was a gift not wasted on me. The sun shone on the icebergs and it felt like a Disney orchestrated perfect Antarctic sailing. I practically had to pinch myself lest it all somehow turn out to be a dream!
Were we ever to have the opportunity to return, we would both jump at the chance. Cruising Antarctica on a smaller vessel would be phenomenal. If you can get yourself there – whether by small boat, large ship, or a job at the research stations – GO!!!!!
It is hard for me to imagine anyone regretting an Antarctic adventure. When people ask us about our favorite place in the world, Antarctica is always mentioned in the discussion. Along with the fact that it is painfully hard to choose just one place. Antarctica stands out from the crowd – it could almost more easily be grouped with other planets than other earthly destinations. In terms of visual beauty there are few that have dazzled me like Antarctica did. Tracie’s photographs magnificently capture the stunning, raw power and breathtaking qualities of the least visited continent.
If you fancy yourself someone who seeks exotic and offbeat locations, then put Antarctica on your list!
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Chris - For so long now, this has been my ‘Unicorn’, my number one on the ‘To Visit’ list!
Sadly when we got to Tierra del Fuego we were about 6 months behind schedule and missed the Summer, and therefore the sailing season.
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t extremely jealous of this stunning adventure, even if it was some time ago! ;-)
traciehowe - I’m sure it is many people’s Unicorn! It was mine for sure, and I’m surprised to have had the opportunity so quickly! Lucky for sure. You’ll get there some day. And now you know all the ways how to and not to make it happen!
tapir tales - Totally out of this world. Mesmerising pictures. Great post.
keep rocking – TT
traciehowe - Thank you so much! :)
Doreen Pendgracs - Wonderful photos of Antarctica! I’ve not yet been there, but it does look enticing. However, I am more a fan of hot destinations, and am looking forward to some posts on your recent visit to Hawaii. :-)
traciehowe - Haha! I hate the cold too, Doreen. It’s funny how much I still manage to find myself in these cold destinations so often. Thanks for your comment!
heather - Those photos! My gosh so beautiful. Antartica is the top of my list…the price is the only thing holding me back.
traciehowe - Thank you, Heather! There are cheaper ways to get there, but it’s not easy! I hope you make it some day!
Vyjay - It is indeed a wonderland of ice. Antarctica is brought alive in all its pristine beauty by the stunning photos that you have captured.
traciehowe - Thank you Vyjay! Pristine beauty is a great way to sum it up!
Erin - WOW! These pictures are phenomenal!! I have always wanted to go to Antarctica. It seems like an entirely new world to discover! A cruise would be perfection too. Seems like the perfect way to truly capture it all :)
traciehowe - Thank you! Yes, a cruise was a pretty great way to see the beauty of Antarctica, but I did long to explore inland a bit more. Not too far away from the warmth of my cabin though!! ;)
Christina Guan - These photos are stunning!!! Being able to see Antarctica has always been a dream of mine, especially because penguins are my #1 favourite animal haha. Sadly, it’s always been a bit out of reach just because it’s so far and relatively costly (compared to backpacking through SE Asia or Europe for instance). It’s a place I intend to see someday though, no doubt.
traciehowe - Thanks, Christina! Penguins are pretty fun to watch. Here they swam and jumped liked dolphins!! Have you ever seen them in person? Be prepared if you haven’t… they can be pretty stinky if there are a bunch of them!
Kevin Wagar - Absolutely stunning photos! Antarctica is such a huge destination and one that we hope to check off in a few years. Thanks for the inspiration!
traciehowe - Thank you Kevin! It certainly is one of those big must sees. Especially for those of us obsessed with seeing as much of the world as possible! ;)
Cai Dominguez - I wonder who doesn’t want to explore and experience Antartica. Put on my the list. I would love too. The view is far and different here in the Philippines. Of course we don’t have snow and its sunny. I haven’t experience snow in my entire life. I think I would cry if I will steep to Antartica:)
traciehowe - Yes, it would be an extreme contrast to that of the Philippines, Cai! I hope you can see snow some day. It will amaze you!
Lisa (Klipdrifters Travel) - Not many people can say they have been to Antartica! What a memorable experience, looks spectacular!
traciehowe - Thanks Lisa! Yes, I feel pretty special to have made it there. I don’t take the experience for granted!
Alexander - Wonderful article! We will be linking to this great content on our
website. Keep up the good writing.