Page 99 - 574220 SunCity Flipbook
P. 99
an outer layer. For any excursions off-
ship, a waterproof bib overall, a parka and
Wellington boots went on top. This outer
layer was supplied by the tour. Preparing
for an outing took time - just walking
with all those layers could be difficult.
On certain days, however, there could
be enough sunshine where leaving off a
layer was OK.
Hosted by One Ocean Expeditions,
the ship was operated by the Russian
Academy of Science. With a crew of 43,
the galley was run by Russians who did
most of the cooking and serving. The 22 A speedy boat originally designed for polar research, the Akademik Ioffe
members of the One Ocean staff were offered numerous learning opportunities during its time at sea.
dedicated and knowledgeable people
from all over the world who ran the Argentinian province of Tierra Del Fuego, traversing around a large island, the ship
accommodations, all expeditions, the whose capital city – Ushuaia - bills itself was able to enter the fjord from the north
dining menu, bar and all presentations. as “the end of the world.” The first and on the fourth day at sea. It was here that
Our fellow travelers were also from many last two days of our voyage were taken we crossed the Antarctic Circle at 66°33’
locations, including Australia, Great up by sailing Beagle Channel and the south of the Equator. Here, there is one
Britain, Germany, Hong Kong and the Drake Passage. On our third day we day where the sun never sets and one
U.S. Meals were served at one sitting, progressed south toward the Lallemand day where the sun never rises each year.
with all passengers and the One Ocean Fjord, located on the western side of the The One Ocean team toasted all of us
staff sharing each meal. This gave a great Antarctic Peninsula, but upon arrival we with hot mulled wine on the ship’s bow to
opportunity to bond and interact with all found passage was blocked by ice. After commemorate our crossing of the circle.
the different passengers and staff.
From here we began making our way
Our cruise began and ended in the north through the various passages,
straits and channels along the western
side of the Antarctic Peninsula. The ship
traveled very slowly though the channels,
many of which had lots of icebergs both
large and small. We visited Beer Island
and Armstrong Reef in the Pendleton
Strait, whose magnificent scenery offered
many shutterbug opportunities. The
water was so clear, you could see the
underside of the icebergs nearly as well as
the top side. The area was abundant with
a variety of birds, including penguins,
and seals, many of which had pulled
themselves onto icebergs to sun and sleep.
One week into our Antarctic adventure
we sailed to the Argentine Islands,
Sun City Texas residents Bruce and Linda Schoening aboard the Ioffe. Continued on the next page
ONLINE: SCTEXAS.ORG A P R I L 2 0 1 6 SUNRAYS | 97
