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Hard Travel, Worthy Destination

By: Johnny Lachance

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This rookery, which is only one mile square, is home to over 70,000 pairs of penguins, who come up to my thigh. They are smartly dressed in their black and white feathers, and waddle about, sliding on the slippery rock surface.

The penguins vigilantly care for their nests, and the chicks that may be in them, by chasing away nosey neighbors, skuas and seals. When not doing this, they spend their time fixing their feathers. The fluffy down-covered brown babies chatter constantly, bumping their heads into their parents in a constant demand for food. Penguins are designed to be feeding machines. Once the now-full mother returns from feeding, she and the father perform a ritualistic dance of bows and pecks. Then the father takes a turn in the ocean.

Believe it or not, there is nothing cute about penguins. They're loud and smell bad, as well as aggressive little things. Nevertheless, people still travel to Antarctica just for the chance to be close to these flightless birds.

Penguins are not the only animals you can see in Antarctica. A gorgeous background of sea and landscapes hosts animals like whales, dolphins and seals, as well as seabirds like albatross. Some of the cathedrals in Europe sport spires that are much shorter than the ones found on glaciers in Antarctica. You'll also experience something that relatively few people have ever seen by taking a trip to this unusual, distant land. The continent of Antarctic can be considered Earth's last, pure frontier.

As expected, traveling there is exploit. The trip, though rarely taken, will be stimulating, unique and costly. If you are leaving from the US, it takes at the very least 20 hours of air travel to make it to the southernmost port of Argentina. You could also choose to fly into Punta Arenas, Chile or Cape Town, South Africa. Christchurch, New Zealand is another point at which you could then catch an ice-rated expedition cruise ship. Getting to the continent is only possible via ship, which entails several days of very rough sea passage.

It's bigger than the entirety of the United States and Mexico put together. The continent of Antarctica has ice shelves on all sides, which measure out to an area which is larger than Greenland, Europe and all of North America combined. This comprises about 70% of all of the fresh water on Earth, and the area is so massive that it deforms the surface of the Earth. When you start booking your cruise, you can choose an itinerary that will last anywhere from 10 days to 28 days. Ships usually hold up to 200 people; some only have 75 passengers. Don?t expect the same amenities as ships that sail in the Mediterranean or Caribbean. For instance, instead of casinos you can go to, you will be able to attend lectures about Antarctica.

Visits to seal colonies, penguin rookeries, and research centers on Antarctica are made possible by the use of smaller rafts. Passengers are ferried to land from the larger ships.

These research facilities are manned by peoples from five different countries, all of whom have signed an agreement which keeps Antarctica free from commercial interests, borders, and nuclear weapons, keeping it safe for science.

There are those who fear that bringing tourists into Antarctica is an invitation to deadly accidents. There once was flyover tourism of Antarctica, but in 1979 a plane crashed and killed 257 people. Environmentalists see tourists as a threat to Antarctica?s fragile ecosystem. The limitation of Antarctic tourism is debated by scientists, environmentalists, and politicians alike. Of course, they see Antarctica as a place which needs to be protected. But a person who has visited Antarctica can also be a very strong force for good.

Right now tourists are not regulated. Eco-tourism?s basic ideas do hold true for those visiting Antarctica. Take only photographs, leave only footprints, and don't bother the natives. Be sure to take clothing which can keep you warm. Pack you own waffle-soled, waterproof boots and plenty of extra socks. Most ships will supply you with a down-filled parka. There are no convenience stores in Antarctica, so don?t forget your super-strong sunscreen and sunglasses. Pack your camera, too.

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