"A huge experience in every way" was how Mike described both his experience and Antarctica itself. For example the South Pole is 2441 km South West of Tierra Del Fuego, the Southern tip of South America. Mike's trip was on a former Scandinavian ferry organised by G Adventures who proved most pleasant and efficient. Accommodation was in a four berth cabin with just one other person, even though he had paid for only a two berth cabin. The food was superb and the staff, largely Filipino crew with European officers very friendly and helpful. The trip from South America to the Weddell Sea took two and a half days.
They were particularly fortunate with the weather, having a fairly smooth trip and then only one bad day. They saw the South Shetland Islands, Deception Island, the remains of an old whaling station, a spectacular volcanic caldera with steam rising from the warmed waters and an Argentinean base. Once at the Weddell where they were for six days they had day trips by zodiac.